100% VeganCategory: fungus, fermented, additiveReviewed: Aug 24, 2026

Yeast

Yeast is a single-celled eukaryotic microorganism classified under the kingdom Fungi (the same kingdom as mushrooms). Yeasts do not belong to the animal kingdom, have no central nervous system, and are 100% vegan.

Vegan Status Breakdown

Yeast is a single-celled eukaryotic microorganism classified under the kingdom Fungi (the same kingdom as mushrooms). Yeasts do not belong to the animal kingdom, have no central nervous system, and are 100% vegan.

Common Synonyms, E-Numbers & Trade Names:

baker's yeastbrewer's yeastactive dry yeastinstant yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae

Hidden & Derivative Names to Watch Out For:

Saccharomyces cerevisiaeautolyzed yeastyeast extracttorula yeast

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Common Uses & Applications

Bread leavening and pizza dough fermentation
Beer and wine fermentation
Flavor enhancement (yeast extracts)
Nutritional supplements

Nutrition Facts (per 100g)

Standard reference data via USDA FoodData Central

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325

Calories (kcal)

40.4g

Protein

41.2g

Carbohydrates

7.6g

Total Fat

26.9g

Dietary Fiber

Recipes Using Yeast

Whole-food plant-based meals tested by our culinary team

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Scientific & Regulatory Authority Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yeast vegan?
Yes, 100% vegan. Yeast is a microscopic fungus, not an animal. It does not possess a central nervous system and is fully compliant with vegan dietary ethics.
What is the difference between active dry yeast and nutritional yeast?
Active dry yeast consists of live fungal cultures used for leavening bread dough, whereas nutritional yeast is heat-deactivated (dead) yeast grown specifically for its cheesy, savory flavor and high B-vitamin content.