Yeast Converts Sugar into Carbon Dioxide and Alcohol

The yeast extract is highly demanded in both the food and beverage industries. It is integrated into nutritional food and dietary supplements in order to balance amino acids content along with flavor enhancing.

Growing urbanization and a rise in consumer preference for products with natural ingredients are some of the key factors that are resulting in the demand for yeast extract. Increasing awareness about the health and changing lifestyles of the people especially in the developed countries leads to more preference for baked products.

Yeast- a microscopic organism

Yeast is a single-celled eukaryotic microorganism. They are members of fungi. Yeast appears oval in shape when seen under the microscope. They require warmth and moisture to grow. Yeast converts sugar into carbon dioxide and alcohol by the process of fermentation.

How yeast extract is made?

Yeast extract comprises only cellular contents of yeast that lack the cell wall. It is made by mixing the yeast and sugar content in a beaker and keeping it at a warmer temperature. By the cellular process, yeast catalyzes the sugar and expands. This softens the cell of the yeast. After a few hours, the mixture is then centrifuged to whisk off the cell wall of the yeast. So cell wall free yeast extract is obtained.

Different types of yeast extract

Autolyzed- the yeast extract obtained by breakdown of the yeast cell and release of constituents in the mixture by its own enzymatic activities. The soluble components are then separated from insoluble portions of the mixture. They are referred to as autolyzed yeast extract.

Hydrolyzed- the yeast extract is made by the addition of acid or enzyme to the yeast and sugar mixture. This enzyme produces extract by the process of hydrolysis. It is widely used in the cosmetics industries.

What are the compositions of yeast extract?

Yeast extract has about 50% protein content. Out of this 20% is glutathione. It is rich in amino acids, dextrans, vitamin B, biotin, and trehalose. Calcium, phosphorus, and trace element are also present in yeast extract. It is free of cholesterol and fatty acids.

Yeast extracts are available in different forms

The yeast extracts are available in different forms. They may be concentrated into powder form, semi-pastry form, oil embedded, or micro capsulated form. The below mentioned forms of yeast extracts are commonly found.

• Powder: Powdered form of yeast is used by vacuum dried the autolyzed yeast extract. It contains the concentrated form of yeast extract.
• Paste: Yeast extract when prepared in a small amount of liquid form paste of the extract. This increases the consistency of the extract.
• Flakes: The yeast extract is mixed with water and dough is made. This is then cut into small flakes. When the flakes form of yeast extract is dissolved in water for few hours prior to the use.

Yeast extract application in various industries

Food & Beverages

Yeast extract is used for the processing of food. It is widely used in the food and beverage industries. They enhance the taste of the food so they are used as flavor enhancers. They are used to make bread, bakery items and beverages.

Cosmetics

Since the cellular content of the yeast is released in the solution due to breaking down of cell wall. The yellow powder form obtained is rich in protein, vitamins, and other natural active ingredients. Due to this property, yeast extracts are used in cosmetics as they have moisturizing and activating effects.

Animal Feed

Brewer’s yeast is the most commonly used yeast in the animal feed industry. The addition of yeast extract to animal feed increases animal production and health. It is also used in veterinary medicine. It improves the digestibility of feed coupled with reduced risks of acidosis.

Pharmaceuticals

Yeast extracts are used in Pharmaceuticals for the production of antibiotics. Since it is rich in amino acids, it finds its application in the manufacturing of biopesticides and culturing lactic acid bacteria.

Side effects of yeast extract on health

• Some people are highly sensitive to yeast consumption, niacin may cause redness and itching in the skin.
• Intolerant people to nutritional yeast can also get inflammatory bowel disease.
• A lot of consumption of yeast frequently can result in unpleasant indigestion.
• Some yeast products may contain tyramine that can cause headaches in some individuals.

To sum up

The Yeast extract Market has been witnessing rapid growth as there is an increase in consumer preference for fresh and healthier food products. These products should contain natural ingredients that are likely to boost their demand in the market. Yeast extract finds its application in various industries like food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and others. The growing demand for processed foods and rising awareness about health-conscious food products will propel the market growth of yeast extract. Some people may face health issues if they are intolerant to nutritional yeast.