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How to Get Your Kids to Eat Brewer's Yeast

Brewer’s yeast, a bitter paste made from a one-celled fungus, is a nutritional supplement packed with B vitamins and protein. People may take brewer’s yeast to help prevent B vitamin deficiency and to help treat diabetes, high cholesterol or boost weight loss due to its chromium content. Children may not want to take brewer’s yeast because of the bitter flavor, but there are ways to mask the taste and possibly make it more appealing for them.

  1. Brewer’s Yeast Spread

    • Brewer’s yeast is available in some specialty health food stores as a paste and its substitute, nutritional yeast, is also sold as a paste. Nutritional yeast and brewer’s yeast are made from the same yeast, although nutritional yeast has a better flavor than brewer’s yeast. Spread brewer’s yeast spread onto your child’s toast. Add lunch meat and salad to mask the flavor. Mix nutritional yeast into peanut butter and give it to your child on toast or with vegetables, using the peanut butter as a dip.

    Brewer’s Yeast Flakes

    • Since very few kids will take a pass on smoothies or milkshakes, masking the flavor of brewer’s yeast or nutritional yeast in this way may be best for fussy eaters. Measure the brewer’s yeast flakes according to the manufacturer’s directions, then mix in low-fat or skim milk and fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries. The strong flavor of the fruit should overtake the taste of the yeast flakes.

    Granulated Brewer’s Yeast

    • Purchase brewer’s yeast in granulated form. Sprinkle granulated brewer’s yeast on snack foods, such as nuts and popcorn, along with a small amount of salt and herbs to blend in the flavors. Add granulated brewer’s yeast to your child’s mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or soup. For an idea on the go, carry some brewer’s yeast powder and sprinkle it on your child’s pizza or pasta -- when they aren’t looking, of course.

    Considerations

    • Cook’s Thesaurus states that brewer’s yeast is made from a by-product of beer, which causes it to have a bitter flavor. Nutritional yeast, which is a brewer’s yeast substitute, has a nuttier flavor and it’s made the same strain, although it’s grown on molasses. You can also purchase debittered brewer’s yeast and mix it into your child’s food. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that brewer’s yeast isn't recommended for children, due to a lack of studies, although adults are recommended to take one to two tablespoons per day. Ask your child’s pediatrician about whether it’s safe to give your child brewer’s yeast as a nutritional supplement.

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