How to Use Brewer's Yeast

Brewer's yeast, the byproduct expelled in the process of brewing beer, contains B vitamins, essential amino acids and minerals. It can be purchased in flake, granule, powder and tablet forms. Although brewer's yeast is marked by the often-bitter taste associated with beer or hops, it can be used in recipes. Its concentrated chromium, a key to balancing blood-sugar totals, and high B complex level make brewer's yeast an added nutritional ingredient in food.

Instructions

• 1

  Substitute brewer's yeast flakes for butter on popcorn.

  Mix 1 tbsp. of brewer's yeast flakes with 1/4 tsp. of iodine-rich sea salt, and add 1 tsp. of dried basil for a pesto-flavored topping for popcorn. For a Cajun popcorn topping, combine 1 tsp. of red pepper flakes, 1 tsp. of dried onion flakes, 1 tsp. of Old Bay seasoning and 1 tbsp. of brewer's yeast flakes.

• 2

  Carob provides a chocolate-tasting shake without the caffeine.

  Break open a young Thai coconut, and pour the liquid in a blender. Scoop out the interior of the coconut, and add it to the liquid. Add 1 frozen banana, 3 heaping tbsp. of carob powder and 1 tbsp. of brewer's yeast. Pour in 1 cup of vanilla rice milk and 1/4 cup of honey. Blend for a nutritious shake. Substitute either 1 cup of fresh, chopped kale or 1/4 cup of powered alfalfa for the carob to make a green smoothie.

• 3

  Top guacamole with brewer's yeast for a vitamin and mineral boost.

  Stir 1/4 cup of brewer's yeast in chili con carne or beef stew to supplement the beef stock. Mix 1 tbsp. of brewer's yeast into homemade guacamole or mix with 1 tbsp. of salsa to serve as an accompaniment to the chili or as a snack with crudités.

• 4

  Use brewer's yeast in recipes that call for cauliflower or potatoes.

  Cook 1 head of cauliflower till tender, and mash it. Mix in 1/4 cup of soy milk, 2 tbsp. of brewer's yeast and 1/4 tsp. of sea salt for low-cal mock mashed potatoes. Top with 2 tbsp. of chopped scallions.

• 5

  You can adjust the amount of brewer's yeast in your green drink to suit your taste.

  Pulverize 2 cups of fresh greens, 1/3 cup of parsley, 1 celery stalk and 1/3 cup of green pepper in a juicer to make a green drink. Add 2 tbsp. of brewer's yeast. Include two carrots or three beets to the juicer for a sweeter taste.