Autolyzed yeast extract is a substance that results when yeast is broken down into its constituent components. It contains some free glutamic acid or monosodium glutamate (MSG) and is used as a less expensive substitute for MSG, leading some health and consumer advocates to object to its use in foods. As with MSG, the industry claims that yeast extract is a natural substance with no harmful effects, and opponents claim it causes a variety of health problems.
Definition
Autolyzed yeast extract results from the breakdown of yeast cells. The cell wall gets disrupted as the yeast's enzymes break down proteins, releasing amino acids, salts and carbohydrates. The soluble portions are separated from the insoluble components and referred to as autolyzed yeast extract.
Production
Baker's or brewer's yeast goes through a series of steps to break it down and release its contents. First salt or mild heat is applied, causing the cell walls to lose integrity but maintain the integrity of enzymes. Through autolysis, the enzymes break apart the proteins into constituent amino acids, now referred to as free amino acids. Next, the cell wall and other insoluble components are removed, followed by concentration and pasteurization of what remains. The final product is either stored in liquid or paste form or may be spray dried to a powder.
Uses
Autolyzed yeast extract is used primarily as a flavor enhancer in a variety of processed foods such as soups, meats and vegetarian "meats." Some products include yeast extract in addition to other flavor enhancers such as MSG, hydrolyzed protein or substances labeled only as "natural flavor." Like MSG, it is valued for its ability to stimulate taste receptors that are sensitive to the umami or savory type of taste.
Labeling
Autolyzed yeast extract may appear on food labels as simply "yeast extract." Other names for the substance, according to UPCFoodSearch.com, are corn gluten yeast extract, yeast hydrosylate and dried yeast hydrosylate. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act states in section (403)(a)(1) that claims of "no MSG" are false and misleading if a product includes sources of free glutamate. However, according to TruthInLabeling.org, breaches of this regulation are not enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture actually approves such labels. MSGExposed.com notes that some Campbell's brand soups state "No MSG" but also say in small print, "except for the small amount naturally occurring in yeast extract."
Controversy
Cypress Systems Inc., maker of Cypress Excell Autolyzed Yeast Extract, state that its product is "100% natural and contains high quality protein, minerals, dietary fibers and B vitamins." According to the European Association of Specialty Yeast Products (EURaSYP), the content of free glutamic acid in yeast extract ranges from 6 to 13 percent of total protein and in end products is less than the content of foods with naturally occurring glutamic acid. Their members agree not to add MSG or glutamic acid beyond what naturally originates in the yeast itself. Yet opponents of MSG and related substances claim that processed glutamate differs substantially from natural glutamate in its health effects and that consuming autolyzed yeast extract is no better than consuming MSG itself.
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