One must keep in mind that vitamin B12 is not present in fruits and vegetables; however, some foods can act as good sources of this vitamin for vegetarians (some of which will be covered in the list below).
The top vitamin B12 foods are as follows:
1. Oysters
Besides being a source of vitamin B12, oysters also act as a rich source of iron.
2. Crab
3 ounces of crab consist of around 9.8 micrograms of vitamin B12.
3. Turkey
Heritage turkeys are loaded with vitamin B12.
4. Herring
Herrings are small-sized fishes, and 3 ounces of these provide 3.6 micrograms of vitamin B12.
5. Pork
Pork tenderloin is a source of vitamin B12 and lean protein.
6. Shrimp
Providing around 80% of the daily value, shrimps are a rich source of vitamin B12.
7. Mussels
Along with vitamin B12, mussels are filled with vitamin C, iron and lean protein.
8. Chicken
Chicken is also an ideal source of protein and vitamin B12.
9. Trout
Apart from being a rich source of vitamin B12, trouts are loaded with healthy fats, protein, phosphorous, selenium and manganese.
10. Salmon
Salmons are rich in vitamin B12 and also contain substantially high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
11. Fortified Non-dairy Milk
Like in other fortified food sources, the vitamin B12 present is made synthetically in non-dairy milk, and hence, it is vegan-friendly in nature.
12. Dairy Products, Including Milk
Dairy products, which includes milk, cheese and yoghurt, are good sources of vitamin B12 and protein.
13. Eggs
In addition to being a good source for providing complete protein, eggs also prove to be a great source of B vitamins like vitamin B12 and vitamin B2.
14. Beef
Besides vitamin B12, beef is also a rich source of vitamin B2, B3 and B6.
15. Animal Kidneys and Liver
Organ meats contain high levels of nutrients in them. Especially, the kidneys and livers of lamb and beef are loaded with vitamin B12.
16. Clams
Clams are shellfish that are small-sized and chewy in nature. These are packed with nutrients. Along with having significantly high levels of vitamin B12, clams are a great source of antioxidants and iron.
17. Sardines
These small-sized soft-boned saltwater fish have high nutritional value. Besides their high vitamin B12 levels, these are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
18. Fortified Cereal
Food fortification refers to the procedure of nutrient addition that is not present originally in the food. Since they are not derived from any animal source and are made synthetically, fortified cereals might work well as vitamin B12 food for vegetarians.
19. Tuna
This fish contains high levels of vitamin B12, mainly in the dark muscles, which refer to the muscles present right underneath the skin.
20. Fortified Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast does not naturally contain vitamin B12, but the fortified form of it acts as a rich source of this vitamin.