This Cheese-Like Food Is a Hidden Vitamin B12 Powerhouse: Nutritionists Say Just One Spoon a Day Can Meet Daily Needs

Published on: 08 Dec 2025 at 12:37 PM

Published by: Gill Bikram

This Cheese-Like Food Is a Hidden Vitamin B12 Powerhouse: Nutritionists Say Just One Spoon a Day Can Meet Daily Needs

Published & Updated: December 8, 2025 | 08:45 AM IST

Vitamin B12 is one of the most essential nutrients required for the body to function properly. It plays a crucial role in maintaining energy levels, brain health, and the nervous system. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to constant fatigue, weakness, poor concentration, and neurological issues.

For vegetarians, meeting daily vitamin B12 requirements can be challenging, as this vitamin is naturally found mostly in animal-based foods. As a result, a large number of vegetarians suffer from B12 deficiency. However, a recent revelation by well-known nutritionist Khushi Chhabra has caught widespread attention, offering a promising solution for plant-based diets.

The Vegetarian-Friendly B12 Booster

In a recent Instagram video, Khushi Chhabra highlighted a special plant-based ingredient that can naturally help increase vitamin B12 levels in vegetarians — nutritional yeast.

Despite its cheese-like taste, nutritional yeast is entirely plant-based. It is grown on sugarcane molasses or glucose and then deactivated, meaning it does not ferment or rise like baking yeast. Because of this, it is completely different from the yeast used in bread or alcohol making.

How Much Should You Consume?

According to Khushi Chhabra, just one tablespoon of nutritional yeast daily can provide around 40% to even 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12, depending on the brand and fortification level.

She explains that nutritional yeast is:

High in protein
Rich in essential nutrients
Easy to digest
Safe for children
Unlikely to cause gas or bloating

This makes it an excellent addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

How to Add It to Your Diet

Nutritional yeast is highly versatile and easy to include in everyday meals. You can:

Sprinkle it over pasta or salads
Add it on top of soups
Mix it into roasted snacks
Sprinkle it on popcorn

It has a mild cheesy and nutty flavor, making meals tastier without adding dairy.

Why This Matters for Vegetarians

Since natural sources of vitamin B12 are limited in vegetarian diets, nutritional yeast can be a practical and accessible option for those struggling with deficiency. Regular consumption, along with a balanced diet, may help support overall energy levels and nervous system health.

Important Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or doctor before making significant changes to your diet or if you suspect a vitamin deficiency. The publisher is not responsible for any health decisions made based on this information.