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“Nooch” (Nutritional Yeast) Popcorn

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“Nooch” (a.k.a. Nutritional Yeast) Popcorn is super-easy to make on the stovetop, it’s naturally both vegan and gluten-free, and it’s always a crowd fave!

Guys, if you haven’t tried nooch popcorn yet — it’s time.

I made the switch nearly a decade ago from making my stovetop popcorn with butter to making it with nutritional yeast instead — or “nooch”, for short — and I’ve gotta say, I haven’t looked back since. We are 100% obsessed with this popcorn in our house. And over the years, dozens upon dozens of friends who have tried our nooch popcorn recipe have become instantly obsessed as well.

It’s easy to whip up a quick batch in just 5 minutes with 4 pantry ingredients. And I’m telling you — the nooch adds this cheesy, buttery, nutty, magical flavor that is just downright irresistible with popcorn. Nutritional yeast is also obviously much lighter than butter, and it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan as well. So over the years, it has become our go-to snack to whip up when having people over to our place. Or anytime we need a good munchie for a road trip, or a picnic, or a happy hour with friends. Or — most often — when we’re hangin’ out at home watching Netflix on a weeknight and get a case of the munchies.

Nooch popcorn will always be there to save the day.

Let’s make some!!

Nooch Popcorn Recipe | 1-Minute Video

What Is Nutritional Yeast?

If you’re new to our starring ingredient here, you may be asking — just exactly what is nutritional yeast? I know, the name sounds hopelessly unappetizing. But nutritional yeast — or “nooch”, for short — is one of my favorite ingredients! It’s simply a deactivated yeast that is typically sold in a flaky or powdery form. It has an irresistibly cheesy, nutty, savory flavor. It’s naturally both vegan and gluten-free. And best of all, it’s a rich source of vitamins, protein and fiber.

I’ve long been partial to Bragg’s nutritional yeast, especially when making popcorn. But different brands of nooch can vary in flavor, so I recommend doing some taste-testing to see which one you love best. ♡

Nutritional Yeast Popcorn Ingredients:

The best thing about nooch popcorn? All of the ingredients are easy to keep on hand in your pantry so that you can pop up a quick batch when the craving strikes. You will need:

  • Popcorn kernels: I’m a big fan of the “jumbo” kernels, but any kind of popcorn kernels will do. (Here’s an Amazon link to my favorite brand, although it is usually considerably cheaper in stores.)
  • Oil: I’ve always used coconut oil for this recipe, which gives it a super-subtly-sweet undertone that everyone always comments on and loves. But avocado oil, olive oil, or safflower oil are good alternatives too.
  • Nutritional yeast: I always use Bragg’s!
  • Salt: Fine sea salt (or even regular iodonized table salt) will do. Just add however much you like, to taste.

Also, very importantly, you will need:

  • A saucepan or stockpot: I’ve written the recipe below to work in a medium saucepan. But feel free to increase the proportions a bit for it to work in a larger stockpot for a bigger batch.
  • Large food storage container (with a lid): It’s also essential to have some sort of large food storage container with a lid, such as this one, in order to shake the popcorn together with the nooch and salt.

How To Make Stovetop Popcorn:

To make stovetop popcorn with nutritional yeast, simply:

  1. Prepare the nooch and salt. Before you begin popping the popcorn (or you can multitask this step while it’s popping), go ahead and shake a bunch of nooch into a large food storage container, along with your desired amount of salt. I recommend adding a liberal amount of nooch, and then if there is any extra, you can always shake it up with a second batch of popcorn afterwards.
  2. Heat the oil. Next, in a medium saucepan, add enough oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan (about 2mm or so deep). Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is nice and hot. Then to test when the oil is ready to go, just drop 3 or 4 popcorn kernels into the pan. And once they pop, it’s ready!
  3. Add the popcorn kernels. Add in enough popcorn kernels to cover the bottom of the saucepan in a single layer. (If you add any more, the saucepan will not have room for them once the pop!)
  4. Pop that corn! Then once the kernels begin to pop, stay close by to keep an eye on them, giving the pan a good shake every 15 seconds or so in order to make sure that the kernels fall to the bottom of the pan. Let the popcorn continue popping until it slows down significantly and there are a few seconds remaining between pops. Then immediately…
  5. Pour the popcorn into the storage container. And do so quickly so that the kernels don’t burn in the pan and the popcorn stays nice and hot. Then quickly place the lid on the container and give the popcorn a good 10-second shake until it is evenly coated with the nooch. Then…it’s popcorn time!
  6. Serve warm and enjoy. This popcorn definitely tastes best right away. Although you’re welcome to store it in the food storage container for a few days. (It will just start to get a bit chewy over time, as cooked popcorn tends to do once it has set out awhile. But even if it’s chewy, it will still taste good.)

Possible Variations:

Want to customize your nooch popcorn? Feel free to also add in some:

  • Freshly-cracked black pepper: So simple, but it kicks the flavor up a big notch!
  • Everything bagel seasoningAlways delicious.
  • Cayenne: Add a generous pinch of cayenne powder in with the nooch for a subtle kick.
  • Parmesan cheese: Not vegan, obviously, but always a winner on popcorn.
  • Other seasonings: Taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, Za’atar seasoning, curry powder — whatever sounds good! Seasoning blends are a fun way to jazz up your popcorn.
  • Finely-chopped fresh herbs: Basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, parsley or even mint can all be delicious!
  • Truffle oil: Drizzle a little on the popcorn after it has popped (and before shaking it up with the nooch) and the flavor is unreal.

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Nooch Popcorn

Nooch (Nutritional Yeast) Popcorn

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 11 reviews
  • Prep Time: 1 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 0 About 8 cups 1x

Description

Nooch popcorn is the BEST butter-free popcorn! It’s also vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and made with no artificial ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoons fine sea salt, or more/less to taste
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, or enough to thoroughly coat the bottom of the pan
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels

Instructions

  1. Add the nutritional yeast and salt to a large food storage container (with a lid).  Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Place 3-4 individual kernels in the pan.  Once the kernels begin to pop, add in the rest of the kernels so that they form a single layer on the bottom of the pan.  Cover the saucepan with a lid and give it a shake so that the kernels all get coated with the oil.
  3. When the popcorn kernels start popping, give the pan a good shake every 15 seconds or so to help the un-popped kernels fall to the bottom. (This will also help prevent the popcorn from burning.)  Once the popping slows down and there are a few seconds between pops, immediately transfer the popcorn to the prepared food storage container.  Place the lid on the container, and give it a good shake for 10 seconds to coat the popcorn.
  4. Serve warm and enjoy!

This recipe contains affiliate links.

Nooch Popcorn Recipe

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135 comments on ““Nooch” (Nutritional Yeast) Popcorn”

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  1. I literally was just wondering how my nutritional yeast would be on popcorn! Aaand now I know I gotta try it tonight.
    yes, sometimes I eat popcorn for dinner. But, it’s a whole grain so it’s allowed.

  2. Ali, this is totally my kind of snack!!! I haven’t played around with nutritional yeast as of yet, but I think it’s time!

  3. So excited to try this! (And a little scared, I won’t lie.) I haven’t tried nutritional yeast but have read a lot about it.

  4. My husband loves nooch. I’ll have to make this for him. I’m the one that likes to snack on popcorn, but maybe this will win him over, too!

  5. Nooch totallllly freaked me out at first when I went vegan, it seemed so weird and crazy, but now it’s one of my favorite things ever!! Love this Ali!

  6. Oh man! I love nutritional yeast, but thought people would think I was trying to get them to eat birl food! LOL! I have never put it on popcorn though. Such a great idea, Ali!

  7. Nice! I totally did a post like this not too long ago on my blog. I LOVE nooch =) As a vegan, that’s where we get a cheesy dose of B vitamins haha. My non-veg friends call it magic sprinkle stuff that goes on soup hahaha.

  8. I am cracking up at “Nooch!” Whatever it is, bring it my way, lol! Perfect looking butter free popcorn! Yes!!

  9. Dude. I literally just ordered this on Amazon this week after seeing Cameron Diaz talk about it on Dr. Oz (don’t judge me.) I can’t wait to try it on popcorn!!! Also you just reminded me I’m out of coconut oil. :)

  10. This looks so good! Do you know if NOOCH has gluten in it though? I’m trying a dairy, gluten, sugar free diet for a little while. :)

  11. I have just recently started long overdo weightless journey and am on the lookout for healthy alternatives to foods I love. Although I have to say thislooks a little strange, I’m going to give it a shot! :) Thanks for sharing!!

  12. Popcorn is such a great guilt free snack, and this dairy free version is perfect for lactose intolerance! Thank you for sharing!

    https://lifeandcity.tumblr.com

  13. I have been on a MAJOR popcorn kick recently. Can’t wait to give this a try!!

  14. I love nutritional yeast + popcorn! “Nooch” is a hilarious, yet perfect name for it!

  15. You are SO right. Nooch popcorn is THEE best! I also like throwing a bit of onion powder and/or dried dill on there with it!

  16. I’ll have to try the nutritional yeast. I love air-popped popcorn. I use my air popper to make popcorn and then drizzle it with coconut oil and add some salt. Mix it well!

  17. I have never heard of this before! To be honest, I thought nooch sounded like a slang word for something I wasn’t supposed to do with my boyfriend in high school. :) This looks like a much better (and more appropriate) treat!

  18. YUM. Can you transport a bowl onto my lap right now somehow?

  19. Hi Ali

    Just joined your newsletter yesterday and this is the first recipe I’ve received. I *LOVE* putting nutritional yeast on my popcorn! Sooo tasty and so easy to get the B vitamins we all so desperately need.

    I buy Amish popcorn that is certified GMO free. If my husband makes the popcorn, he uses corn oil (thus negating the non-GMO)but I’ll use coconut oil or grapeseed oil.

    If you REALLY want to kick up the flavor, use “Real Salt” from Redmond Trading Company in Heber City Utah. Only GO EASY with it – it has MUCH more saltiness AND FLAVOR than pink salt or sea salt.

    “Nooch” Thanks for putting a name on it!

    Gramm Lu in T’Rivers, WI

  20. Have been using “nooch” on my popcorn since I was a kid. However I tend to cheap and put button on as well. Also you can use brewers yeast as well. They both taste pretty similar.

  21. Yum and YUM! I need to find me some nooch ASAP!

  22. LOVE this! Nutritional yeast is my all time favorite popcorn topping, and it’s even great on eggs! My local grocery store sells it in bulk, I can fill up a sandwich ziploc for about a dollar, and it’s so worth it!

  23. GENIUS. I’ve never tried nutritional yeast but I’m going to have to, now that popcorn is involved! :)

  24. This made my day! I have enjoyed Brewer’s Yeast (I MUCH prefer the name “nooch”!) on popcorn for YEARS and most people think I’m nuts. A few artsy theatres in my city have it and that’s how I discovered it. Must try making it at home with Coconut Oil (my new best friend.) If you like spicy stuff, try mixing in a little Sriracha to the oil (or squirting it directly on the popcorn because you’re insane, like me.) It will rock your world!

  25. I have friend that sprinkles this on her popcorn every chance she gets. I will have to give it a try! I love popcorn recipes!

  26. What an amazing idea. I NEVER would have thought of that. I will most definitely be making this in the very near future. Thanks Ali!

  27. I have NEVER heard of this and I even have nutritional yeast in my cupboard! I will definitely be trying – soooo glad you shared!

  28. Anyone who doesn’t love nooch on their popcorn is not my friend! I’ve never made it in a pan with coconut oil before… I will be trying this tonight!

  29. I love nutritional yeast on my popcorn!! If you want to go for a nacho cheesy flavors you can add a lite bit of Cajun spice. It’s SO good. :-)

  30. We love popcorn here! I would NEVER have thought to try this! Love the idea Ali!

  31. This looks so good, Ali!! <3

  32. you gotta try truffle salt. that’s where it’s at! Super salty, earthy, funky, rich, yum! Another good one is nori flakes (a.k.a. furikake) that a Hawaiian friend turned me on to. It’s nori plus sesame and other stuff that justs brings out the nutty notes in the popcorn. I like “nooch” on popcorn too!

  33. Grew up eating my popcorn this way and my son and I eat it every Saturday night. Popcorn with a little earthbalance and/or coconut oil and LOTS of nutritional yeast!!! Unbelievable!!!

  34. The nutritional yeast on popcorn interesting! and could be worth a try. Unfortunately, the coconut oil negates the whole point of not using butter (coconut oil is completely saturated fat while butter is a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fats).. Best to try it will light olive oil or canola oil.

  35. I’m loving some of your recipes…even making the Blooming Onion today for the SuperBowl party.

    I have been making popcorn with nutritional Yeast for years now….it’s delicious. I take it up one notch by Air Popping my popcorn and then sprinkling on a good organic olive oil and the nutritional Yeast while its still hot! My kids loved it growing up.
    Valerie <3

  36. Ok. Must have done something wrong because this was absolutely disgusting! I would have enjoyed eating styrofoam peanuts instead. I used everything listed and all the nutritional yeast fell to the bottom of the bowl. Did not enjoy at all!

  37. I’ve definitely tried nooch popcorn and totally agree that it’s completely delicious. Now I’m craving popcorn!

  38. Been eating this on popcorn since I was a wee one, but my mom used butter, salt AND nooch. I think my lactose-intolerant sister-in-law would love this with coconut oil. Thanks for sharing!

  39. Before I read this post I’d be one of those people who’d respond with a blank look if you mentioned nooch. Looking forward to finding it and making this amazing looking Nooch Popcorn!

  40. I LOVE putting “nooch” on my popcorn. I also love cinnamon+salt. I usually make a bowl of each flavor for variety :)

  41. Ok so I actually bought “nooch” lol for a different recipe and I almost couldn’t eat it because of the smell. I am using the same as you (can tell from the picture) and have been wanting to try it again so it wasn’t a total waste to buy but how did you get past the smell?

  42. Popcorn is ultimately my favorite snack :) I love making it with coconut oil too! Will be trying this asap

  43. Better yet, mix the nooch with half vegie/chick seasoning. All my picky friends didn’t have to adjust. Used coconut oil before and it’s the best trick.

  44. Years ago, my best friend at the time introduced me to yeast flakes. We would hang out watching tv with our yeasty popcorn quite often:) Everyone else would look at us strangely but it really is the best topping. Thank you for sharing this with others so they will no longer miss out!

  45. I love making popcorn this way! I also sprinkle some cayenne and garlic granules on it to make it even more fantastic!

  46. I’m trying this for the first time right now and I can’t stop aggressively shoving it in my mouth. Thank you so much. This is incredible.

  47. I RECOMMEND USING ORGANIC POPCORN (YOU CAN FIND IT IN BULK AT THE HEALTH FOOD STORE) AS MOST POPCORN IS MADE FROM GMO CORN.

  48. Hi Ali! I tried this popcorn last night and it is amazing! I have to admit I was hesitant at first, especially when the ‘nooch’ arrived in the mail but it is so tasty! I think I will be making more tonight for the Oscas! My husband loved it as well. Thanks so much for the recipe…love your blog!!

  49. Now obsessed with popcorn with “nooch”! So yummy.

  50. I have just tried this popcorn, and I love the flavor but most of my “yeast flakes” are at the bottom of the bowl. Is there anyway to get it to stick better? Note: I added the yeast flakes right after the popcorn stopped popping in the same kettle as I cooked the popcorn in.

    • Try shaking the popcorn in a sealed container immediately after adding the nooch (while it’s still warm). Good luck!