Jane’s Nooch Popcorn: The Dairy-Free Snack You’ll Keep Making

Sometimes the best snacks are the simplest. Jane Velez-Mitchell’s Nooch Popcorn, featured in the Challenge the Host segment of New Day New Chef, proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something crave-worthy. With just popcorn, avocado oil, nutritional yeast, and pink salt, this easy snack comes together in minutes and delivers plenty of flavor.

Light, crunchy, and surprisingly satisfying, Nooch Popcorn has become a favorite among plant-based eaters looking for a healthier alternative to heavily buttered or artificially flavored popcorn. The secret ingredient is nutritional yeast, affectionately known as “nooch” in the vegan community. Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many people keep a container of it in their pantry.

What Is Nooch?

If you’re new to plant-based cooking, you may be wondering what exactly nooch is. Nooch is simply a nickname for nutritional yeast, a deactivated yeast that comes in yellow flakes or powder. Unlike baking yeast, nutritional yeast won’t make bread rise. Instead, it’s used as a seasoning to add flavor to foods.

One of the reasons nutritional yeast is so popular is its naturally savory, cheesy flavor. Many people describe it as nutty, rich, and slightly reminiscent of Parmesan cheese. That makes it a fantastic ingredient for anyone looking to add cheesy flavor to recipes without using dairy products.

Nutritional yeast is commonly sprinkled on popcorn, pasta, vegetables, soups, salads, and grain bowls. It can also be used to make dairy-free cheese sauces, vegan queso, and creamy dressings. For many plant-based cooks, it’s a pantry staple that finds its way into countless recipes.

A Simple Snack With Big Flavor

What makes this popcorn so appealing is how quickly it comes together. Freshly popped popcorn is lightly coated with avocado oil, giving the nutritional yeast something to cling to. A sprinkle of pink salt enhances the flavor while allowing the cheesy notes of the nutritional yeast to shine.

The result is a snack that’s light enough for movie night yet flavorful enough to satisfy a savory craving. Unlike many packaged snacks, Nooch Popcorn allows you to control exactly what goes into it while delivering a delicious flavor that appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike.

It’s also easy to customize. Some people enjoy adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, or chili powder, but Jane keeps things simple with a classic combination that lets the nutritional yeast take center stage.

Why Plant-Based Cooks Love Nooch

Nutritional yeast has earned a loyal following among plant-based cooks for its rich, savory flavor often compared to cheese. A simple sprinkle can enhance everything from vegetables and pasta to soups and grain bowls.

Its versatility makes it one of the most useful ingredients in a vegan pantry. Whether you’re making a creamy dairy-free sauce or adding extra flavor to a bowl of popcorn, nooch is an easy way to bring depth and richness to your favorite recipes.

A Fun Episode Full of Flavor

Jane makes this Nooch Popcorn during the same episode that features Chef D from Beyond Meat and her impressive Beyond Steak Filet and Potato Flatbread. While Jane demonstrates how a few pantry staples can become a crave-worthy snack, Chef D shows viewers how to elevate plant-based cooking with a gourmet flatbread topped with potatoes, sticky onions, fresh herbs, and Beyond Steak.

Together, the recipes showcase the incredible range of plant-based cooking, from easy everyday snacks to gourmet meals that are perfect for entertaining.

After making this Nooch Popcorn, settle in and binge all the episodes of the new season of New Day New Chef on UNCHAINEDTV. You’ll discover innovative chefs, creative recipes, and plenty of inspiration for your own kitchen adventures. And while you’re blending, cooking, and creating along the way, don’t forget to show us your #BlenderDance!

Print Recipe

Nooch Popcorn

Course: Snacks

Servings: 4 Servings

Author: Jane Velez-Mitchell

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup popcorn kernels using a mix of multicolored organic kernels and yellow kernels if desired
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon pink salt or to taste
• Pop the popcorn kernels in an air popper or popcorn maker.
• Transfer the hot popcorn to a large bowl.
• Drizzle lightly with avocado oil.
• Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and pink salt.
• Toss well and serve immediately.