01
Parmesan
10.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Real cheese; not vegan but closest cheesy flavor
10.0
vegetarian nutritional yeast
substitute.
8 vegetarian substitutes for nutritional yeast — top pick Parmesan at 100% function match.
all substitutes on this page are vegetarian
top substitutes
02
Miso
10.01/2 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Umami-rich; saltier, use less and dilute
10.0
03
Parmesan Cheese Topping
10.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Shelf-stable grated parmesan; sprinkle on popcorn or pasta for cheesy savory flavor
10.0
show 5 more substitutes
04
Romano
10.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Sharp salty grated romano mimics umami; more intense so start with less and adjust
10.0
05
Yeast Extract Spread
5.01/2 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Use 1/2 tbsp marmite-style spread; intense savory flavor, best stirred into sauces or broths
5.0
06
Soy Sauce
5.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Adds salty umami punch in sauces and dressings; not a dry topping substitute
5.0
07
Yeast
5.01/2 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Deactivated brewers yeast has similar cheesy taste; check for inactive type before using
5.0
08
Soy Sauce Made From Soy (Tamari)
5.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Traditional shoyu-style soy sauce delivers savory umami; use in dressings and stir-ins
5.0
pitfalls to avoid
watch out
Miso: Much saltier — use 1/2 tsp miso per tbsp nutritional yeast, dilute in liquid
watch out
Parmesan Cheese Topping: Coarser grated cheese texture vs fine flakes
watch out
Romano: Sharper and saltier — start with half and adjust
watch out
Yeast Extract Spread: Extremely concentrated — use 1/2 tsp per tbsp nutritional yeast, stir in
watch out
Soy Sauce: Thin salty liquid; no dry topping capability
watch out
Yeast: Check for inactive/deactivated yeast only — active yeast tastes different
watch out
Soy Sauce Made From Soy (Tamari): Liquid condiment; cannot replace dry sprinkle