Yeast extract

No E-numberFlavor enhancersOrigin: Fermented

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Made from yeast, a fungus.

Gluten-freeDepends

Usually gluten-free, but extract made from brewer's yeast can carry barley gluten.

Full answer ›

HalalDepends

Most is made from baker's yeast. Extract from beer-brewing leftovers isn't accepted by every certifier.

KosherYes

KetoYes

Used in small amounts, with almost no carbs.

Low-FODMAPYes

Yeast extract spreads are low-FODMAP in normal servings.

The short answer

Yeast extract is a savory flavoring made from yeast that tastes like broth. It contains natural glutamate, the same flavor as MSG, so it's how many "no MSG" foods get their umami. It's safe and vegan.

87/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberNone

Comes fromFermented

What it doesFlavor enhancers

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledYeast extract, Autolyzed yeast extract

Add umami without MSG

For your pantry

Pantry staple

Marmite yeast extract spread

A teaspoon deepens stews, gravy and vegan sauces.

Shop Marmite Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry staple

Nutritional yeast flakes

Cheesy, savory flakes for popcorn and pasta, fortified with B12.

Shop nutritional yeast Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Dried porcini mushroom powder

Natural umami for soups and rubs.

Shop mushroom powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes our ratings.

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionNot evaluated as an additive

🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive

CaliforniaNo extra rules

GRAS in the US. In the EU and Canada it's treated as a food ingredient, not an additive, so it has no E-number and no limit. US products that contain it can't claim "no MSG" or "no added MSG."

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Yeast extract is the inside of yeast cells, concentrated into a paste or powder. It's rich in free glutamate and nucleotides, which give a meaty, brothy taste. Marmite and Vegemite are almost pure yeast extract.

Where it comes from: Yeast grown on sugar (or left over from brewing beer) is broken open by its own enzymes, and the cell walls are filtered out.

Why it’s in food

Adds a savory, meaty flavor
Replaces MSG on "clean" labels
Boosts flavor in low-salt products
Gives veggie burgers and soups a brothy depth

Often found in

Potato chipsSoups and bouillon cubesGravy and saucesVeggie burgersMarmite and VegemiteCrackers and seasoning mixes

Also listed as: Yeast extract, Autolyzed yeast extract, Autolysed yeast extract, Autolyzed yeast, Autolysed yeast, Hydrolyzed yeast, Hydrolysed yeast, Yeast extract powder, Torula yeast extract, Brewer's yeast extract

Health & gut impact

GlutamateUnder study

It contains free glutamate, the same compound as MSG. The FDA bars "no MSG" claims on foods that contain it.

FDA, Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

B vitaminsBenefit

Yeast extract spreads are a good source of B vitamins, and some are fortified with B12.

USDA FoodData Central

What can I use instead?

Mushroom powder

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Soups and gravies

Miso or soy sauce

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Sauces and marinades

Is it gluten-free?

More flavor enhancers:

Disodium Guanylate E627Disodium guanylate (E627) is a savory booster used with MSG. It's usually made from yeast, but can come from fish, so check for a vegan label.Generally safe Disodium Inosinate E631Disodium inosinate (E631) boosts savory flavor, usually alongside MSG. It's often made by fermentation but can come from meat or fish, so it's only reliably vegan when labeled.Generally safe Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) is a savory, brothy flavoring made by breaking down soy, corn or wheat protein. It contains natural glutamate, so it works like MSG, and it may contain wheat.Use in moderation Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) E621MSG (E621) is a fermented seasoning with the same glutamate found in tomatoes and parmesan. It's vegan, gluten-free and considered safe; studies haven't confirmed the "MSG headache."Generally safe

Common questions

Is Yeast extract safe?

Generally safe (87/100). GRAS in the US. In the EU and Canada it's treated as a food ingredient, not an additive, so it has no E-number and no limit. US products that contain it can't claim "no MSG" or "no added MSG."

Is Yeast extract vegan?

Yes. Made from yeast, a fungus.

Is Yeast extract gluten-free?

Depends. Usually gluten-free, but extract made from brewer's yeast can carry barley gluten.

Is yeast extract just hidden MSG?

Not exactly. It contains natural glutamate, which tastes the same, but much less of it than pure MSG. Most people who don't react to MSG won't react to yeast extract.

Is yeast extract the same as nutritional yeast?

No. Nutritional yeast is whole, deactivated yeast. Yeast extract is the concentrated inside of the cells, with a much stronger, saltier taste.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 184.1983 (US FDA)
FDA, Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
USDA FoodData Central

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · CAS 8013-01-2