How Much B12 Is in Oatmilk?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B12 is generally not present in plant foods unless they are fortified. Therefore, the amount of B12 is in oatmilk depends entirely on whether the manufacturer has added it during processing. Unfortified oatmilk contains no vitamin B12, while many commercial brands are fortified to meet or exceed daily value recommendations.

Quick Summary

The vitamin B12 content in oatmilk varies significantly based on fortification; unfortified versions contain none, while fortified options can provide a substantial percentage of the daily value. This addition is crucial for those on vegan or vegetarian diets, as B12 is naturally found primarily in animal products.

Key Points

Check the Label: Unfortified oatmilk contains no vitamin B12, so always look for products labeled as 'fortified'.
Daily Value Varies: The percentage of your Daily Value for B12 can vary significantly between fortified brands, ranging from 10% to 100% per serving.
Natural vs. Added B12: Unlike animal products, oats do not naturally contain B12; the vitamin is added to oatmilk during processing.
Vegan Essential: Fortified oatmilk is a crucial dietary source of vitamin B12 for vegans, who do not consume animal products.
Absorption Benefits: The free vitamin B12 in fortified foods is often better absorbed by older adults and those with certain health conditions who have difficulty absorbing the naturally occurring version.
Homemade Lacks B12: Homemade oatmilk will not contain B12 unless the maker adds it from another source, like a supplement.

B12 in Oatmilk: Fortified vs. Unfortified

The most important factor determining how much B12 is in oatmilk is whether the product has been fortified with the nutrient during manufacturing. Unfortified oatmilk, which is essentially just oats and water, contains no vitamin B12. For this reason, those following a vegan diet or seeking specific nutrients should always check the product's nutrition label. Brands that add vitamin B12 to their oatmilk typically do so to make their product a nutritionally comparable alternative to dairy milk, which contains B12 naturally.

The Role of Fortification

Fortification is the process of adding vitamins and minerals to a food that are not naturally present. It is a recommended public health strategy to help reduce nutritional deficiencies, especially for populations that rely on plant-based diets. For commercial oatmilk, this typically means adding nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. Without this process, plant-based diets can easily become deficient in B12, which is critical for nerve function and red blood cell production.

Typical B12 Levels in Fortified Oatmilk Brands

The amount of B12 in fortified oatmilk can vary by brand and product line. Here is a look at some common examples based on search data:

Oatly Original Oatmilk: A 1-cup (240 mL) serving contains approximately 1.2 mcg of vitamin B12, representing 50% of the Daily Value (DV) for adults.
Silk Original Oatmilk: Offers a higher concentration, with a 1-cup serving providing 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12, which is 100% of the DV.
Planet Oat Oatmilk: A one-cup serving provides 10% of the daily value for vitamin B12, among other added vitamins.
MYOM Oat Milk Blend: A 100ml serving can provide 36% of the daily B12 reference intake, depending on the final preparation.
Alpro Oat Drink: An unsweetened version may contain about 0.38mcg per 100ml, so a standard 240ml cup would contain more.

This variation highlights the importance of reading the nutrition label to ensure a product meets specific dietary goals. Consumers should not assume all oatmilks are created equal when it comes to vitamin content.

The Importance of B12 from Animal vs. Plant Sources

Vitamin B12 is unique among vitamins because it is synthesized by certain bacteria and is not naturally found in most plants. The primary dietary sources are animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. This poses a challenge for vegans and some vegetarians, who must rely on fortified foods or supplements to meet their needs.


Feature	B12 from Animal Sources	B12 from Fortified Oatmilk
Source	Naturally occurring in meat, dairy, eggs.	Added during manufacturing.
Availability	Bioavailability can be higher, but absorption can decrease with age.	Highly bioavailable and standardized.
Concentration	Varies widely based on the food item (e.g., beef liver is very high, eggs are moderate).	Standardized by the manufacturer, making it easy to track intake.
Vegan-Friendly	Not suitable for vegans.	A reliable and suitable source for vegans.
Absorption Issues	Atrophic gastritis and other conditions can cause malabsorption of food-bound B12.	Free vitamin B12 in supplements and fortified foods is absorbed more efficiently, especially for those with absorption issues.

For those with malabsorption issues or following a plant-based diet, fortified oatmilk offers a reliable and easily digestible source of B12, bypassing some of the issues associated with naturally occurring B12 in animal products.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While fortified oatmilk is an excellent source of B12 for many, there are some considerations. Some commercially produced oatmilks may be considered 'ultra-processed' due to the fortification process and other additives. Homemade oatmilk will not contain added B12, so it is not a suitable substitute for fortified versions for those needing a B12 source. Consumers should also be aware of potential contaminants in non-certified gluten-free products, though many brands in the US use certified gluten-free oats.

Conclusion

In summary, the presence and amount of B12 in oatmilk is entirely dependent on whether it has been fortified. While unfortified versions contain no B12, numerous commercial brands add this essential vitamin, providing a convenient and bioavailable source, especially for vegans and older adults. To ensure you are meeting your daily nutritional requirements, always check the product's nutritional information. Fortified oatmilk can be a valuable part of a balanced diet, but it is not a given across all products. As with any dietary choice, understanding the ingredients and process is key to informed decisions. For more detailed information on nutrient needs, consult a healthcare professional. National Institutes of Health Fact Sheet on B12

Frequently Asked Questions

No, unfortified oatmilk does not contain vitamin B12. Oats are not a natural source of this vitamin, which is primarily found in animal products.

Many popular brands, including Oatly, Silk, and Planet Oat, fortify their oatmilk with B12. However, the amount varies, so it is essential to check the nutrition facts on the label.

The amount varies by brand. Some brands provide up to 50% of the Daily Value (DV) per cup, while others, like Silk, offer 100% of the DV per serving.

B12 is added to oatmilk to make it a nutritionally robust dairy alternative, especially for those on plant-based diets who might otherwise lack sufficient B12 intake. It supports nerve function and red blood cell formation.

While it is possible to get all your B12 from fortified oatmilk, depending on the brand and how much you consume, it is crucial to check the specific nutrition label. For example, some brands provide 100% of the DV in one cup, while others offer a smaller percentage.

The B12 added to fortified oatmilk and other foods is often in a highly bioavailable form, which can be absorbed more efficiently than the B12 naturally present in animal products, especially for older adults or those with absorption issues.

Vegans who do not consume fortified foods or supplements are at a higher risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Since B12 is not naturally found in most plants, they need to find reliable sources.