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Which fortified vegan foods can provide vitamin B12?

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Illustration of a vegan food pyramid divided into four sections: whole grains at the base, followed by vegetables, then fruit, and legumes at the top, with recommended daily servings and images of representative foods in each group. — vegetarianism A vegan food pyramid, which excludes meat and animal products.

For individuals following a vegan diet, obtaining adequate vitamin B12 is essential, as this nutrient is naturally found primarily in animal-derived products like meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. Because plants do not provide a reliable source of this vitamin, vegans must rely on fortified foods or supplements to prevent deficiency, which can lead to serious health issues such as megaloblastic anemia and nerve degeneration.123

One prominent example of a fortified vegan food is nutritional yeast, an inactive dried yeast often sold as flakes or powder. Many brands of nutritional yeast are fortified with vitamin B12, making it a popular choice for adding a savory, umami flavor to plant-based dishes while helping to meet daily nutritional requirements. Additionally, other processed food products may be fortified with the vitamin, though nutritional yeast remains a primary staple specifically recognized for this purpose in vegan cooking.123