Alongside "whey" and "soy", you may have started to see "yeast protein" when shopping for protein powder. It is sometimes called a "next-generation protein", but few people know what it is actually made from or how it differs from other proteins.
This article explains, as simply as possible, what yeast protein is made from, how it is made, how it compares with whey and soy, and what to check when choosing one.
What you'll learn
- What yeast protein is and what it is made from
- How yeast becomes protein powder
- The differences between whey, soy and yeast protein
- Three things to check when choosing, and a few things to know
- Common questions (Is it plant-based? Is it the same as brewer's yeast?)
What is yeast protein?
Yeast protein is protein taken from yeast and made into a powder.
Yeast is a microorganism, too small to see, that has long been used to make bread rise and to make alcohol, miso and soy sauce. The yeast used for protein is mostly Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the same species familiar from bread-making.
Whey is made from milk and soy protein from soybeans; yeast protein is made from yeast. It is easiest to think of it as a third option made from an entirely different source.
How yeast becomes protein
Methods vary between products and ingredient makers, but the general process is:
- Grow: Yeast is fermented and cultured in tanks, feeding on sugars, so that it multiplies.
- Extract: The protein-rich part is taken from the yeast.
- Powder: It is dried into a powder to use as a protein ingredient.
It is grown in controlled tanks rather than on farms or in fields. It is sometimes called a "next-generation protein" because it is a new source, separate from milk and soy.
We explain the link between fermentation and protein in more detail in "What Is Fermented Protein?".
How it differs from whey and soy
The biggest difference is the source. Because the source differs, what appears on the ingredients label differs too.
| Whey | Soy | Yeast | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Milk | Soybeans | Yeast |
| How it's made | From whey left over when making cheese and similar products | From soybeans | From fermented, cultured yeast |
| "Milk" on the label | Yes | Depends on product | Depends on product |
| "Soy" on the label | Depends on product | Yes | Depends on product |
| How easy to find in shops | Common | Common | Still uncommon |
Whey protein comes from milk
Whey is the yellowish, clear liquid left over when milk is made into cheese or yogurt. Whey protein is protein taken from it and made into a powder. As a dairy product, its label says "milk".
Soy protein comes from soybeans
Soy protein is made by taking protein from soybeans, the same familiar ingredient as tofu and soy milk. Its label says "soy".
Yeast protein comes from yeast
Yeast protein is made from neither milk nor soy. However, some products contain milk or soy for flavour or for manufacturing reasons, so checking the ingredients label is the surest way to know.
This isn't about one being better than another. Because the sources differ, the right one depends on your body, your preferences and your diet.
Three things to check when choosing
1. The ingredients label
The surest way is to read the ingredients on the pack or product page. If milk or soy is a concern, also check for notes such as "made on equipment that also handles milk and soy".
2. Protein per serving
Both the serving size (g) and the protein it contains differ between products. Check the "per X g serving" column on the nutrition label and think about it alongside your usual meals. We cover daily protein needs in "How Much Protein Do You Need a Day?".
3. How easy it is to keep up
Protein is something you add to your everyday meals. Whether you like the taste, whether it works with just water and what one serving costs are all important when choosing.
Good to know
- Texture: Some products can feel a little more powdery than whey, especially those without thickeners. Shaking well or changing the amount of liquid can help.
- Allergies: Even when the source is yeast, it may be made on equipment shared with milk, soy and so on. If you have allergies, check the label and talk to your doctor before trying it.
- Choice: There are still far fewer products than for whey or soy. When comparing taste or price, compare like for like on ingredients and per-serving amounts.
Common questions
Is yeast protein plant-based?
Yeast is not a plant; it belongs to the fungi, along with mushrooms and moulds. So strictly speaking it isn't "plant-based". But as it isn't taken from animals, it is one option for people who want to avoid animal-derived ingredients.
Is it the same as brewer's yeast supplements?
No. Brewer's yeast supplements are usually the whole yeast, dried. Yeast protein is the protein-rich part taken from yeast and made into a powder, processed so it is easy to use as protein.
Is it the same as bread yeast?
It often uses the same species as bread-making (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), but yeast protein is protein taken out and powdered. It is not used to make dough rise as bread yeast is.
When should I drink it?
There's no fixed rule. With breakfast, after exercise or instead of a snack: whenever suits you best. See "When Should You Drink Protein?" for more.
About &Fermenta
&Fermenta is a protein made with yeast protein concentrate produced in Japan. The flavour is Rich Cacao: cocoa powder with cinnamon and ginger.
Ingredients: yeast protein concentrate (made in Japan), cocoa powder, dextrin, resistant dextrin, fructooligosaccharide, cinnamon, ginger, lactic acid bacteria (heat-treated) / sweeteners (stevia, thaumatin)
Per 35 g serving: energy 143.5 kcal, protein 21.1 g, fat 2.9 g, carbohydrate 8.3 g, salt equivalent 0.1 g
Allergens: No milk or soy ingredients are used. However, it is made on equipment shared with products containing milk and soy. If you have allergies, please consult your doctor before use.
As it contains no thickeners or emulsifiers, it can feel slightly powdery. One serving is 35 g (two heaped scoops) mixed into 300 ml of water or almond milk. See "Four Ways to Drink &Fermenta" for serving ideas.
Summary
- Yeast protein is protein taken from yeast and made into a powder
- Whey comes from milk, soy protein from soybeans, yeast protein from yeast: entirely different sources
- None is simply better; the right one depends on your body, preferences and diet
- When choosing, check the ingredients label, protein per serving and how easy it is to keep up
If you'd like to try a protein made without milk or soy, see the ingredients and nutrition on the &Fermenta Yeast Protein Rich Cacao product page.
