This page is aimed at nutrition experts and those working in food production who often deal in depth with ingredients and their specific characteristics. We have put together some detailed information, which provides the most important facts about yeast extract as a natural ingredient.
1. Components of Yeast extract
Yeast extract is a natural and vegan product which contains important minerals, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and amino acids. To ascertain which individual components make up yeast extract, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at the manufacturing of yeast extract. Read More …
2. Umami taste in protein rich food
Yeast extract provides a unique, savoury, that is ‘umami’, taste. It is loved by cooks all over the world for its ability to improve the taste of a dish with completely natural components. For these reasons yeast extract is a popular ingredient for sauces, soups, dishes and snacks – for conventional cuisine as well as for vegan or vegetarian dishes. In the UK and in Australia, yeast extract is also the main component of extremely popular sandwich spreads. Read More …
3. Natural glutamic acid
Glutamic acid is one of the twenty natural amino acids which occur in almost every living cell from plants, animals, humans and microorganisms. It is the most abundant amino acid in nature. Many food that is part of a varied and balanced diet has high glutamic acid content which guarantees the aromatic taste of numerous recipes. Read More …
4. Labelling
Yeast extract is added to food to impart flavour and meets the definition of ‘Flavouring preparation’ according to EU food regulations. You can find it on ingredient lists as “yeast extract” or “natural flavouring”. Read More …
More information on yeast extract can also be found in our brochure “Information for food professionals”. (Download here)
If you are interested in the EURaSYP position paper on the status of Yeast Extract, you can download the papers here:
Use of Yeast Extracts in Organic Processed Foods under Regulation (EU) 2018/848
EURaSYP Position on Yeast Extract status
EURaSYP Position Paper on Yeast Extracts used as a flavouring
