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Yeast flakes properties and use in the kitchen

Homepage Articles Yeast flakes properties and use in the kitchen

Yeast flakes properties and use in the kitchen

Yeast flakes are a product that has been on the shelves of Polish shops since relatively recent visitors. Their name and appearance are associated with dried yeast used to prepare baked goods, but these products differ significantly. While the active form (baked goods) can undergo a fermentation process, which causes the cake volume to increase and a characteristic baking structure to form, inactive yeasts are used as a seasoning or food additive.

Table of Contents

1. Yeast flakes characteristic

The term yeast encompasses a large group of microorganisms from the fungal kingdom; however, it is commonly used as a term for the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These organisms are widely used both in science (many studies are being conducted on their use), animal husbandry (due to their nutritional value yeast can be a component of feed) and in the food industry primarily in the sugar and pastry industry and the production of alcohol (drink, wine).

2. Yeast flakes nutritional value

The energy value of yeast flakes is approximately 375 kcal per 100 g of product. What distinguishes them is their high protein content (about 50 g per 100 grams of flakes) which is characterised by an amino acid composition somewhat similar to animal protein. They contain all the exogenous amino acids (the human body is unable to produce them and therefore must be supplied with food) in these products which allow for their full protein content.

3. Yeast flakes properties

Thus, one of the components of yeast fats is beta-glucans, which are part of the gut microbiome, which enables them to grow and multiply, but which in turn results in a decrease in the value of gut functioning. They support the body's immune response during infection, relieve inflammation, and may also lower blood lipid profile levels. They are also prebiotics, or are food for gut bacteria, which allows them to develop and replenish the gut function but which, on the other hand, results in an improvement in gut function.

4. Yeast flakes use

Yeast planks have a very distinct, salty, oyster-like taste similar to cheese. This makes them particularly appreciated by vegetarians and vegans, who seek a counterpart due to their abstinence from wheat. They also have densifying properties. They are used in addition to:

5. Yeast flakes availability

Yeast flakes are a product that has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially among people who follow a plant-based diet. However, it can still not be classified as a widely available product. It is in vain to look for it in the offerings of popular markets and grocery stores. It is present on the shelves of specialized shops focused on the sale of vegetarian and vegan products, in some hypermarkets and in the offers of online shops.
Source

Jach M.E. et al., Yeast Protein as an Easily Accessible Food Source, „Metabolites” 2022, 12(1), epub.
Nutritional yeast, fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1162755/nutrients (25.03.2022).
Rakowska R. et al., Spent yeast as natural source of functional food additives, „Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny” 2017, 68(2), 115–121.
Yao C.K., New research: Fermentable short chain carbohydrate (FODMAP) content of common plant-based foods and processed foods suitable for vegetarian- and vegan-based eating patterns (PART 1), monashfodmap.com/blog/new-research-fermentable-short-chain-carbohydrate-fodmap-content-common-plant-based-foods-and-processed-foods-suitable-vegetarian-and-vegan-based-eating-patterns-part-1/ (21.03.2022).