torula yeast, also known as Candida utilis, is a highly versatile yeast. It is found worldwide and may grow in wood, paper pulp, leaf litter and substrates that are rich in cellulose. It is a useful laboratory culture medium and growth medium with biotech, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Torula yeast also is a multifunctional additive and is a raw material for the fragrance and flavor industry.

Most commonly used yeast is baker’s yeast. We also are accustomed to brewing yeast used in the preparation of wine or beer. Both humans and animals consume nutritional yeast, which is rich in vitamins, enzymes and amino acids. Torula yeast is used as a substitute for meat and as an additive to foods that are processed. Nutritional yeast is first pasteurized to arrest growth and then crushed and ground into a powder.

Torula yeast's protein content can be as high as 60 percent. The protein in torula yeast is similar to that in soybeans, but torula yeast has a more neutral aroma and cleaner flavor. It has a full range of B-complex vitamins. All crucial amino acids are present in the torula yeast. Torula is an important source of methionine and lysine found in cereals. It contains unsaturated fatty acids, trace elements and minerals. It also is low in salt. Yeast tablets, baby foods, diet products and health foods contain torula yeast.

Yeasts are effective condiments and supplements. Torula yeast stabilizes and fixes aroma and checks the eventual loss of flavor while cooking, sterilizing and freezing. Yeast balances, reduces and masks sharp or bitter flavors of the additives. It enhances the quality of snacks, sauces, convenience meals, seasoning, marinades and soups. It enhances the flavor of vegetarian dishes and substitutes for meat because of its amino acid content. Energy drinks, breakfast dips and spreads get the advantage of the emulsifying qualities of the yeast.

Torula yeast is used in the production of honey, industrial fermentation, insect cell culture and aquaculture. Torula yeast is widely used in Europe and California for controlling olive flies. It is dissolved in water to attract and the insects to traps, where they drown. Torula yeast grows on waste sulphite liquid from wood pulp. Some consumer groups are in doubt regarding its growing method and ultimately its safety.

Yeast is also used in tortillas, pizzas and in other bakery products. It is used in animal feeds, pet treats and canned pet foods. Torula yeast is a supplement for puppies as it has a high content of zinc, amino acids and vitamin B. It is used in food for farmed fish. Horses that eat large quantities of grain have better fiber digestion when they also consume adequate yeast probiotics.