Fact checked 
We have a team of smart fact checkers. They make sure our content is accurate. They use the best sources like medical journals and government websites. You can find their names and profiles on the articles they check.
Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.
Choline (1) is an essential nutrient that often flies under the radar, yet it plays a huge role in keeping your body functioning at its best. From supporting memory and brain development to protecting your liver and heart, choline is a powerhouse nutrient you don’t want to overlook. Since your body produces only a small amount, most of your choline must come from food sources. The good news? Many everyday foods are packed with this vital nutrient.
16 Foods That Pack a Choline Punch
Here’s a breakdown of foods rich in choline, covering both animal and plant-based options to suit different dietary needs:
1. Eggs
Egg yolks are one of the richest natural sources of choline. One large egg provides about 147 mg of choline, making it easy to meet a significant portion of your daily needs. Eggs also contain high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D, which further support brain and heart health.
2. Beef Liver
Beef liver is a nutritional powerhouse. Just 3 ounces of cooked beef liver can provide over 350 mg of choline, far exceeding the daily recommended intake. Liver is also rich in iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins, supporting energy metabolism and overall organ health.
3. Chicken Breast
A lean and versatile protein, 3 ounces of cooked chicken breast provides around 72 mg of choline. Regular consumption can support muscle health, weight management, and cognitive function.
4. Salmon
Salmon offers a double benefit: omega-3 fatty acids and choline. A 3-ounce serving of cooked salmon contains roughly 56 mg of choline, promoting brain health, heart function, and reducing inflammation.
5. Shrimp
Low in calories but rich in nutrients, shrimp provides about 115 mg of choline per 3 ounces. It’s also a great source of iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12, all of which support thyroid and nerve function.
6. Milk
Milk is a convenient daily source of choline, providing about 43 mg per cup. It also delivers calcium, vitamin D, and protein, making it excellent for bone and overall health.
7. Turkey
Lean turkey contains roughly 65 mg of choline per 3 ounces cooked. It’s also rich in tryptophan, which can support mood and sleep quality.
8. Cod
A mild white fish like cod provides about 71 mg of choline per 3 ounces cooked, along with high-quality protein and important minerals such as phosphorus and selenium.
9. Brussels Sprouts
These cruciferous vegetables offer around 63 mg of choline per cup cooked. They are also rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K, supporting digestion and heart health.
10. Broccoli
One cup of cooked broccoli contains approximately 63 mg of choline. It’s an anti-inflammatory superfood, packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that protect against chronic disease.
11. Soybeans
Soy is a top plant-based choline source, with 107 mg per cup cooked. Soy also provides complete protein, isoflavones, and fiber, which may support heart and bone health.
12. Quinoa
Quinoa provides about 43 mg of choline per cup cooked. This gluten-free whole grain also offers complete protein, fiber, and magnesium, making it great for energy, digestion, and heart health.
13. Peanuts
A convenient and nutrient-dense snack, 1 ounce of peanuts contains around 24 mg of choline. They also provide healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants to support brain and heart health.
14. Cauliflower
Cauliflower contains about 48 mg of choline per cup cooked. Its high fiber and antioxidant content make it excellent for digestion, detoxification, and supporting liver health.
15. Potatoes
A medium baked potato offers around 23 mg of choline, along with potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Potatoes provide energy and support cardiovascular and muscle function.
16. Kidney Beans
One cup of cooked kidney beans contains roughly 45 mg of choline. These legumes are also high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, helping with digestion, blood sugar balance, and heart health.
Visual chart
| Food | Serving Size | Choline Content (mg) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 1 large | 147 | Brain health, liver support, and high-quality protein |
| Beef Liver | 3 oz (cooked) | 350+ | Brain, liver, energy metabolism |
| Chicken Breast | 3 oz (cooked) | 72 | Lean protein, cognitive support |
| Salmon | 3 oz (cooked) | 56 | Brain & heart health, omega-3s |
| Shrimp | 3 oz (cooked) | 115 | Low-calorie protein, nerve & thyroid support |
| Milk | 1 cup | 43 | Bone health, protein, and vitamin D |
| Turkey | 3 oz (cooked) | 65 | Lean protein, mood & sleep support |
| Cod | 3 oz (cooked) | 71 | High-quality protein, minerals |
| Brussels Sprouts | 1 cup (cooked) | 63 | Fiber, antioxidants, heart & liver support |
| Broccoli | 1 cup (cooked) | 63 | Anti-inflammatory, vitamins & antioxidants |
| Soybeans | 1 cup (cooked) | 107 | Plant protein, heart & bone health |
| Quinoa | 1 cup (cooked) | 43 | Complete protein, fiber, magnesium |
| Peanuts | 1 oz | 24 | Healthy fats, brain & heart support |
| Cauliflower | 1 cup (cooked) | 48 | Fiber, antioxidants, liver support |
| Potatoes | 1 medium baked | 23 | Energy, potassium, muscle & heart support |
| Kidney Beans | 1 cup (cooked) | 45 | Fiber, protein, blood sugar & heart support |
What Science Says: The Benefits of Choline-Rich Foods
Scientific studies consistently highlight choline’s role in:
- Brain health: Research links adequate choline intake with improved memory and cognitive performance (2).
- Liver function: Deficiency may lead to fatty liver disease, while choline helps regulate fat metabolism (3).
- Heart health: Choline supports healthy homocysteine levels, which are tied to cardiovascular health (4).
Pregnancy and development: Studies suggest that maternal choline intake influences fetal brain development and long-term memory in children (5).
In 1998, the Institute of Medicine officially recognized choline as an essential nutrient, reinforcing its importance across all stages of life (6).
Final Thoughts
Choline is one of those nutrients that can truly impact your long-term health, yet it’s often overlooked. The good news is, with foods ranging from eggs and salmon to quinoa and broccoli, you can easily build a choline-rich diet that supports your brain, liver, and heart. Whether you’re an omnivore or plant-based eater, there’s a way to fuel your body with this essential nutrient every single day.
