Is yeast vegan?

Question

I just read somewhere that vegan's should avoid eating yeast but I really don't unerstand why... can anyone explain it to me?

Is there something animal derived in it or is it just because yeast is considered 'living'? Does this mean probiotics should be avoided too?

I will stop eating yeast if I know an animal has suffered for it but I don't think this is the case.

Answer 1

yeast is a type of fungi so therefore as vegan as any mushroom. can't see any reason to avoid it. in fact I would say it was important for vegans to eat it to get a good variety of B vitamins

Answer 2

The skins of most fruit has yeast living on it. It is difficult to avoid.

This is what the vegan society has to say.

"Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Certain studies have found vegans to have a low intake of the vitamin, riboflavin. Riboflavin is important in converting protein, fats and carbohydrates into energy, and the synthesis and repair of body tissues. Good sources of riboflavin include yeast extracts.

Vegans can obtain B12 from a wide range of foods which have been fortified with the vitamin. These include certain yeast extracts"

Yeast grows on sugar and malts, it would be difficult to see how animals could come into its production.

Answer 3

When I was a vegan (I'm veg now and still eat it) I ate nutritional yeast all the time.

I think some vegans get really freaky about stuff~so ignore it and just use the yeast.

Answer 4

Yeast is vegan. It is a bacteria, which as far as science goes, cannot feel pain. Its a microorganism as well, a bacteria, which cannot be avoided.

Answer 5

Some people are confused about that, but yeast (like mushrooms) is a fungus and is edible by vegans.
:)

yeast NOUN:
1. Any of various unicellular fungi of the genus Saccharomyces, especially S. cerevisiae, reproducing by budding and from ascospores and capable of fermenting carbohydrates.
2. Any of various similar fungi.

Answer 6

Actually Yeast isn`t technically a fungus it is bacteria - caveat emptor