Q: I am really in the mood for some Hot Cheetos but I'm not sure if I can eat them. On the Ingredients List, it says that they contain "autolyzed yeast extract." Now I know that yeast isn't allowed but is that the same thing? Can someone please answer and be honest.
A: The term "yeast extract" basically means that the yeast has been treated and processed. (Yeast is normally a living thing.) But the yeast--or it's extract--has the same effect of leavening, and the resulting product is not Kosher for Passover. Sorry. I know you were hoping for a different answer, but the fact is that eating this stuff on Passover would be, ahem, "Cheet[o]ing." Good luck!