The Top Vegan Food Sources of Riboflavin [Chart]

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Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is an important vitamin used for cell respiration (i.e. energy production in the body).

Some of the best riboflavin sources are dairy products, which puts vegans at a little higher risk of developing a deficiency.

Additionally, athletes need more riboflavin than non-athletes, so vegan athletes need to pay a little extra attention to their riboflavin intake.

That being said, riboflavin deficiency is very uncommon in first world countries, partially because many grains and cereals are fortified with it.

Is Riboflavin Vegan?

Vitamin B2 can come from either animal or plant sources.

In some foods, you’ll see riboflavin as an additive on the ingredients list. It’s primarily added for color, but getting extra vitamins is usually a side benefit anyways.

The vast majority of riboflavin added to foods is vegan-friendly. Almost all riboflavin that is used industrially is produced using fungus or bacteria, which are both considered plant-sources.

SUMMARY

If you’re a vegan that wants to get more vitamin B2, it’s completely fine to get it from foods that are fortified with B2 (i.e. riboflavin).

How Much Riboflavin Do You Need?

The recommended daily allowance for riboflavin is 1.3 mg for adult men, and 1.1 mg for adult women.

If you only eat whole foods, it’s not the easiest target to hit compared to other vitamins and minerals. However, riboflavin is added to a lot of packaged foods, so most people get more than enough.

What is Riboflavin Used For

Vitamin B2 has a wide variety of uses in the body, involved in energy production, growth, and metabolism.

In particular, some believe that riboflavin might play a part in relieving migraine headaches and preventing certain types of cancers. However, the evidence is not strong enough to prove or disprove those links yet.

The Best Vegan Sources of Riboflavin Per Serving

I collected nutrition data from the USDA for 120+ whole foods that are vegan.

After sorting them by riboflavin content per 100 grams, here’s what we’re looking at:

FoodRiboflavin (mg) per 100 gramsRiboflavin (mg) per 100 calories
Seaweed (dried)3.671.29
Almonds1.140.20
Kale0.350.97
Hemp seeds0.280.05
Buckwheat groats0.270.08
Rye grain0.250.07
Sesame seeds0.250.04
Pine nuts0.230.03
Lotus root0.220.30
Durian0.200.14
Cashew0.200.03
Spinach0.190.82
Wheat flour (whole-grain)0.190.06
Chestnut0.170.07
Chia seeds0.170.03
Macadamia nut0.160.02
Flaxseed0.160.03
Pistachio nuts0.160.03
Soybeans0.160.11
Walnut0.150.02
Cowpeas0.150.15
Avocado0.140.09
Squash0.140.88
Oats0.140.04
Asparagus0.140.64
Peanuts0.140.02
Peas0.130.16
Rapini0.130.59
Pecans0.130.02
Watercress0.121.00
Broccoli0.120.34
Hazelnut0.110.02
Mustard greens0.110.41
Quinoa0.110.09
Green bean0.100.34
Garlic0.100.08
Water spinach0.100.51
Turnip greens0.100.31
Lima beans0.100.08
Zucchini0.090.55
Swiss chard0.090.47
Fava bean0.090.08
Arugula0.090.34
Red bell pepper0.080.32
Brussels sprouts0.080.22
Lettuce (red leaf)0.080.60
Plantain0.080.06
Lentils0.070.06
Banana0.070.08
Bok choy0.070.54
Grapes0.070.10
Artichoke0.070.14
Navy beans0.070.05
Lychee0.060.10
Adzuki beans0.060.05
Chickpeas0.060.04
Barley0.060.05
Mung bean0.060.06
Sweet potato0.060.07
Gourd0.060.30
Okra0.060.18
Date0.060.02
Cauliflower0.060.24
Black beans0.060.04
Carrot0.060.14
Kidney beans0.060.05
Celery0.060.40
Corn0.060.06
Jackfruit0.060.06
Pumpkin seeds0.050.01
Parsnip0.050.07
Ginger0.050.05
Bamboo shoot0.050.42
Fig0.050.07
Cassava0.050.03
Cabbage0.040.16
Beets0.040.09
Apricot0.040.08
Guava0.040.06
Orange0.040.09
Radish0.040.23
Mango0.040.06
Eggplant0.040.15
Raspberry0.040.07
Tangerine0.040.07
Brazil nut0.030.01
White potato0.030.05
Cherry0.030.05
Cucumber0.030.22
Pineapple0.030.06
Peach0.030.08
Leek0.030.05
Chicory root0.030.04
Green bell pepper0.030.14
Pummelo0.030.07
Nectarine0.030.06
Onion0.030.07
Apple0.030.05
Pear0.030.05
Plum0.030.06
Blackberry0.030.06
Napa cabbage0.020.21
Amaranth0.020.02
Strawberry0.020.07
Lemon0.020.07
Coconut meat0.020.01
Cranberry0.020.04
Grapefruit0.020.05
Lime0.020.07
Tomato0.020.11
Cantaloupe0.020.05
Rice0.010.01
Melon0.010.03

Overall, there’s a good variety in types of foods that have a significant amount of riboflavin in them.

Types of Plant Foods High in Riboflavin

From the table above, it’s clear that the best plants to get riboflavin from are:

  • Vegetables – Spinach, squash, swiss chard, zucchini, and seaweed are all near the top. These contain a ton of other vitamins as well, which is why all healthy diets contain plenty of vegetables.
  • Nuts – Almonds are a great source of riboflavin, and pine nuts and cashews are okay sources as well.
  • Fruits – Durians and plantains are good sources of riboflavin, although not too commonly eaten.
  • Grains – Buckwheat groats and rye grain are both solid sources of riboflavin. Bonus points if you buy rye bread that’s fortified with more riboflavin.

So you have a lot of choices, even if you’re picky.

The grains and nuts have a lot of calories in them, so they’re not necessary ideal if you’re on a diet. Vegetables are overwhelmingly the best source of riboflavin if you’re concerned about calories.

Vegan Recipes High in Vitamin B2

I know that taking in a lot of information like this and then planning out meals based on it can be overwhelming.

So while I can’t offer you a complete list of recipes high in riboflavin, I can give you a few to get started.

When you’re looking for other things to make, focus on:

  • Stews and stir frys – Easy to add kale and other vegetables to them.
  • Oatmeal – Not only are oats a decent source of riboflavin, hemp seeds are a natural topping.
  • Vegan “cheese” pasta – The best vegan cheeses in my opinion are based on blended cashews. Because of that, they will contain a lot of riboflavin.

Now let me give you 3 quick recipes that are favorites of mine for more specific inspiration.

1. Lentil, Kale, and Quinoa Stew

lentil and kale stew

This stew is delicious, and is packed with riboflavin from the kale. I always add more than is called for since it shrinks quite a bit when cooked.

Additionally, the lentils and quinoa provide healthy sources of protein and other important vitamins and minerals like iron.

2. Cashew ‘Ricotta’ and Spinach Stuffed Shells

cashew ricotta

This is a fun recipe to make and I love it every time.

It contains both cashews and spinach, which are both amazing sources of vitamin B2.

While it might seem like a lot of work at first, there are only about 10 ingredients and it’s actually a lot easier to make than it might seem.

3. Almond Butter Brownies

Admittedly not the healthiest recipe, but these almond butter brownies are a nice little treat and way to get a bit more riboflavin.

As almonds have a lot of riboflavin, almond butter does too (literally just grounded up almonds).

There are just 6 ingredients, including oats, which add even more riboflavin.

FAQs About Riboflavin

What other vitamins and minerals should vegans monitor, in addition to riboflavin?

In addition to monitoring riboflavin levels, vegans should pay attention to vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and protein. Since these nutrients are commonly found in animal products, vegans need to be mindful of alternative sources, such as fortified foods, supplements, and a variety of plant-based options, to meet their nutritional needs. See our guide to the hardest nutrients to get as a vegan for specific recommendations.

Can you develop a riboflavin deficiency by consuming too much or too little of certain foods?

Both excessive and inadequate intake of certain foods can contribute to riboflavin deficiency. While it is uncommon to consume too much riboflavin through a regular diet, a deficiency can occur if individuals consistently have a limited variety of foods or if they avoid sources rich in riboflavin like leafy green vegetables.

Are there symptoms specific to riboflavin deficiency that vegans should watch out for?

Vegans should be aware of potential symptoms associated with riboflavin deficiency, which include sore throat, redness and swelling of the lining of the mouth and throat, cracks or sores on the outsides of the lips (cheilosis), inflammation and redness of the tongue (magenta tongue), and moist, scaly skin. Monitoring these signs is important for early detection and prompt intervention, which may involve dietary adjustments or supplementation.

Can taking riboflavin supplements have side effects?

Generally, riboflavin supplements are considered safe when taken within recommended dosage limits. However, excessive intake may result in bright yellow urine, as the body excretes the excess riboflavin. It’s essential to follow the recommended daily allowances and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation to avoid potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

Is there a risk of consuming too much riboflavin, particularly from fortified foods?

While it is uncommon to consume excessive amounts of riboflavin through a balanced diet alone, the risk increases when relying heavily on fortified foods and supplements. Excessive intake may lead to adverse effects, such as discoloration of urine. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to be mindful of their overall nutrient intake and avoid unnecessary supplementation unless recommended by a healthcare professional.

About the author

Dale Cudmore

Your friendly neighborhood vegan from Toronto. I've spent over 6 years as a freelance nutrition writer and researcher. During this time, I've tested over 50 vegan protein powders, and over 100 other types of vegan supplements.