Is there any vitamin K in raisins?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Though praised for their natural sweetness and portability, raisins are not a significant source of vitamin K, containing only a minimal amount. This fact often surprises those who are closely monitoring their vitamin intake.

Quick Summary

Raisins are a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and other essential minerals, but they contain very small amounts of vitamin K. The low vitamin K content means they typically do not pose a risk for those on blood-thinning medication, unlike leafy green vegetables. For a substantial vitamin K boost, different foods are recommended.

Key Points

Low Vitamin K Content: Raisins contain a negligible amount of vitamin K, providing only about 3.5 mcg per 100-gram serving.
Safe for Blood Thinners: Because of their low vitamin K level, raisins are generally safe for individuals on blood-thinning medication, but consultation with a doctor is advised.
Rich in Other Nutrients: Raisins are an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and iron, offering various health benefits.
Better Vitamin K Sources Exist: Foods like kale, spinach, and broccoli are significantly better sources of vitamin K than raisins.
Don't Rely on Raisins: For boosting vitamin K intake, raisins are not an effective food choice; other options are far more concentrated.
Know Your Nutrition: Understanding the specific nutritional profile of foods helps in making informed dietary decisions, especially for those with specific health needs.

The Lowdown on Vitamin K in Raisins

For individuals tracking their intake of vitamin K, particularly those on specific medications like warfarin, understanding the vitamin content of various foods is crucial. While raisins are a healthy and convenient snack, they are not known for their vitamin K levels. According to nutritional data, raisins contain a low, or negligible, amount of vitamin K. For context, a 100-gram serving of raisins provides approximately 3.5 micrograms of vitamin K, which is a very small fraction of the daily recommended intake. This is in stark contrast to other popular snacks or dietary staples that can contain hundreds of micrograms of the vitamin per serving.

What is Vitamin K and Why is it Important?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in the body's physiological processes. Its primary functions include:

Blood Clotting: Vitamin K is essential for producing proteins required for blood coagulation, preventing excessive bleeding.
Bone Health: It helps the body produce proteins necessary for healthy bones and tissue calcification.

There are two main forms of vitamin K: phylloquinone (K1), found primarily in plants, and menaquinones (K2), found in animal products and fermented foods. The small amount of vitamin K in raisins is phylloquinone.

Raisins: A Nutritional Powerhouse (But Not for Vitamin K)

While not a top source for vitamin K, raisins offer a variety of other health benefits that make them a valuable part of a balanced diet. Some of the key nutritional highlights of raisins include:

Dietary Fiber: Raisins are a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Antioxidants: They are rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Potassium: Raisins contain a high amount of potassium, an important mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Iron: They also provide a significant amount of iron, essential for red blood cell production.
Natural Energy: Due to their high sugar content (a mix of fructose and glucose), raisins offer a quick energy boost, making them an excellent choice for athletes or as a midday pick-me-up.

The Best Food Sources of Vitamin K

For those looking to increase their vitamin K intake, a wide range of foods are far superior to raisins. The most potent sources are green leafy vegetables, but other options also provide a good dose. Excellent sources of vitamin K include:

Green Leafy Vegetables: Kale, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, and mustard greens are all excellent sources.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain significant amounts.
Other Vegetables: Green beans, turnip greens, and asparagus are also good options.
Fruits: Blueberries and figs provide some vitamin K, though not as much as greens.
Other Sources: Natto (fermented soybeans) is a highly concentrated source of K2, and other animal products like eggs and some cheeses contain smaller amounts.

Comparison Table: Vitamin K in Common Foods

To illustrate the difference in vitamin K content, the following table compares the approximate amount of vitamin K in 100-gram servings of various foods.


Food Item	Approximate Vitamin K Content (mcg) per 100g
Raisins	~3.5
Kale	~481
Spinach	~483
Broccoli	~141
Cabbage	~109
Blueberries	~19.3

Should People on Blood Thinners Eat Raisins?

Yes, for most people taking blood thinners like warfarin, raisins are generally considered safe to eat in moderation. The minimal amount of vitamin K present in raisins is unlikely to interfere with the medication's effectiveness. The primary concern for individuals on these medications is a consistent intake of high-vitamin K foods. It's always wise for those on medication to discuss their dietary habits with a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In summary, while raisins are a healthy and delicious snack packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other beneficial minerals, they are not a significant source of vitamin K. For those requiring a high-vitamin K diet, or for individuals on blood thinners who need to monitor their intake, it is important to know that raisins will not fulfill this need or cause a major disruption. Excellent sources of vitamin K are primarily found in leafy green vegetables, and these should be the focus for anyone seeking to increase their intake of this vital nutrient. Find more information on dietary sources of Vitamin K from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 100-gram serving of raisins contains approximately 3.5 micrograms of vitamin K, which is a very minimal amount compared to the recommended daily intake.

No, raisins are generally not considered bad for people on blood thinners. Their low vitamin K content means they are unlikely to interfere with the medication's effectiveness, unlike foods with a high vitamin K concentration.

Raisins are a good source of dietary fiber for digestion, antioxidants for cellular health, potassium for blood pressure regulation, and iron for blood cell production.

Foods rich in vitamin K include green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, as well as vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

While there can be slight variations, the vitamin K content is consistently low across most common types of raisins, including golden and dark.

Some other dried fruits, such as dried figs and prunes, do contain small amounts of vitamin K, but like raisins, they are not considered a primary source.

If you need to increase your vitamin K intake but prefer not to rely solely on leafy greens, you can also consume broccoli, vegetable oils, eggs, cheese, or consider a vitamin K supplement after consulting with a healthcare professional.