Yeast Extract | whatsinit

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Yeast extract is a natural flavoring ingredient derived primarily from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast by autolysis or enzymatic hydrolysis; it is rich in free amino acids (especially glutamate), nucleotides, and B vitamins, and is widely used to impart savory, umami taste in soups, sauces, snacks, and processed foods. Unlike isolated MSG, its glutamate is delivered within a complex matrix of proteins, peptides, and nucleotides.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Yeast extract is broadly recognized as safe, holds GRAS status in the US under 21 CFR 184.1983, and its source organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae is listed under EFSA's Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach; no ADI has been formally established because it is treated as a food ingredient rather than a regulated additive. The high free-glutamate content may provoke symptoms in glutamate-sensitive individuals and migraine sufferers, while a significant purine load can elevate uric acid and exacerbate gout; many commercial preparations also carry substantial sodium levels, warranting caution for hypertensive consumers. IARC has not classified yeast extract as a carcinogen.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia)	Approved	Yeast extract is permitted as a food ingredient under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code; it is not assigned a food additive code and must be declared by name on labels. No maximum use level is specified; GMP applies.source
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Yeast extract is not classified as a food additive under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and carries no E-number; it is used as a food ingredient or flavoring. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (the production organism) is confirmed suitable for EFSA's Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach. EU labelling law requires it to be declared as 'yeast extract' on ingredient lists.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	Baker's Yeast and its derivatives (including yeast extract) are regulated under FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Second Amendment Regulation, 2017, which prescribed compositional and quality standards for Baker's Yeast; yeast extract is permissible as a food ingredient under the general provisions of FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Baker's Yeast Extract is listed as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1983 for use as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer at GMP levels; FDA requires it to be declared as 'yeast extract' on ingredient labels, distinct from monosodium glutamate.

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Gout — Yeast extract is high in purines, which are metabolised to uric acid and can elevate serum urate levels, potentially triggering or worsening gout flares.

Migraine — The concentrated free glutamate in yeast extract is a recognised dietary trigger for migraines in glutamate-sensitive individuals.

Hypertension — Many commercial yeast extract products (e.g., spreads, flavour bases) contain high sodium levels that may contribute to elevated blood pressure in sodium-sensitive or hypertensive individuals.

Kidney Disease — The significant purine and phosphorus load in yeast extract may increase metabolic burden on kidneys with compromised function, elevating uric acid and phosphate levels.

Ibs — Yeast extract contains fermentable compounds and free nucleotides that may provoke bloating, gas, or gastrointestinal discomfort in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FDA. Baker's Yeast Extract – FDA Substances Added to Food Inventory (formerly EAFUS). hfpappexternal.fda.gov
2EFSA. Food Additives – EFSA overview of authorised substances and re-evaluation programme. efsa.europa.eu
3PubMed. Yeast extract: characteristics, production, applications and future perspectives – a review. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4EFSA. Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1079 for calves, all other ruminant species and camelids (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2022), 2022. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5FSSAI. Final Gazette Notification – FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Second Amendment Regulation, 2017: Standards for Baker's Yeast, 2017. archive.fssai.gov.in

Independently researched5 citations