What beverages are fortified with vitamin D?

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Historically, milk was fortified with vitamin D in the 1930s to combat widespread rickets, a bone-weakening disease. Today, with few foods naturally containing this vital nutrient, fortification is a key public health strategy to help people meet their daily vitamin D requirements.

Quick Summary

Many popular drinks are voluntarily fortified with vitamin D to help address nutritional gaps. These options include cow's milk, most plant-based alternatives like soy and almond milk, and certain fruit juices and nutritional shakes.

Key Points

Cow's Milk Fortification: Most processed cow's milk in the U.S. and other countries is fortified with vitamin D to aid calcium absorption and support bone health.
Plant-Based Options: Many plant-based milks, including soy, almond, and oat, are fortified with vitamin D to offer a dairy-free source of the nutrient.
Fortified Orange Juice: Specific brands of orange juice are fortified and provide a good alternative source of vitamin D, particularly for those who avoid dairy.
Label Reading is Key: The best way to identify a fortified beverage is by checking the Nutrition Facts panel on the product label for vitamin D content.
D2 vs D3: Vitamin D is added in either D2 (plant-based) or D3 (animal-based) form, with D3 often considered more bioavailable for absorption.
Risk of Excess is Low from Fortified Foods: While high-dose supplements carry a risk of toxicity, it is extremely rare to get too much vitamin D from consuming fortified foods and beverages.

Why is Vitamin D Fortification Important?

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a significant role in several bodily functions, most notably regulating calcium and phosphate levels to maintain strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Because very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, food fortification has become a vital strategy to combat widespread deficiency, which can have serious health implications. The success of milk fortification in eradicating rickets in the 20th century demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. By adding vitamin D to beverages that are widely consumed, manufacturers provide an accessible and efficient way for people to increase their daily intake.

Common Vitamin D-Fortified Beverages

Dairy Milk

Cow's milk is a widely recognized fortified beverage. Most processed cow's milk in the U.S. is voluntarily fortified to enhance calcium absorption and support bone health. Fortified dairy milk, available in various fat content levels, typically contains 100-120 IU of vitamin D per cup.

Plant-Based Milks

Plant-based milk alternatives are often fortified with vitamin D and calcium to be nutritionally comparable to cow's milk. Common fortified options include soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk, providing dairy-free sources of vitamin D.

Orange Juice

Fortified orange juice serves as a significant source of vitamin D, particularly for those avoiding dairy. A single serving can contribute a notable amount towards the daily value. It's crucial to check labels as not all brands are fortified.

Other Fortified Drinks

Vitamin D fortification extends to other beverages such as yogurt drinks, kefir, nutritional shakes, and some specialty teas.

Understanding the Fortification Process

Manufacturers employ specific techniques to add stable and dispersed vitamin D to beverages, using either D2 or D3 forms, with D3 generally considered more bioavailable. Methods like direct addition and microencapsulation ensure the vitamin's stability and consistent potency without affecting the beverage's qualities.

Identifying and Choosing Fortified Beverages

Checking the Nutrition Facts panel on the label is the best way to find fortified beverages, as it lists vitamin D content in mcg and IU and the percentage of Daily Value. When selecting, consider dietary needs and sugar content.

Comparison of Fortified vs. Unfortified Beverages


Feature	Fortified Beverages (e.g., Milk, OJ)	Unfortified Beverages (e.g., Raw Milk, Fresh OJ)
Vitamin D Content	Contains a significant, added amount of vitamin D.	Contains little to no vitamin D naturally.
Benefit for Bone Health	High benefit due to enhanced calcium absorption.	Minimal direct benefit for vitamin D intake.
Production Process	Involves adding vitamin D and other nutrients during processing.	Minimally processed; relies on naturally occurring nutrients.
Label Information	Must list vitamin D on the Nutrition Facts panel.	May not mention vitamin D or state it has trace amounts.
Best for Addressing Deficiency	Excellent choice for preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency.	Not a reliable source for meeting vitamin D needs.

Conclusion

Fortified beverages offer a convenient way to increase vitamin D intake for those with limited sun exposure or dietary restrictions. Options like fortified cow's milk, plant-based milks, and orange juice can help meet daily needs when part of a balanced diet that may also include sun exposure and supplements. Always check product labels for vitamin D content and be aware of added sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most processed dairy milk in the United States, including whole, 2%, 1%, and skim varieties, is fortified with vitamin D. Raw milk is not typically fortified.

While fortified beverages are an excellent source, it is difficult to rely on them alone for your total vitamin D intake. A balanced diet, moderate sun exposure, and sometimes supplements, are also important.

No, not all plant-based milks are fortified. Common varieties like soy, almond, and oat are often fortified, but it's essential to check the product label, as fortification can vary by brand.

Vitamin D is added to orange juice to provide a viable source of the nutrient for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Studies show it can be just as effective as supplements in raising vitamin D levels.

The amount varies, but a cup of fortified milk typically contains about 100-120 IU of vitamin D. Fortified orange juice often has a similar amount, but checking the specific product label is best for accuracy.

Yes, fortified beverages are considered a safe and effective way to increase vitamin D intake. The risk of consuming excessive amounts is extremely low when obtained from fortified foods, unlike high-dose supplements.

Modern fortification methods, including various encapsulation techniques, are designed to protect vitamin D from degradation during processing and storage. Studies show high stability of vitamin D in pasteurized and UHT-processed milks.