What Drink Has Vitamin D? A Guide to Fortified and Natural Sources

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While few beverages naturally contain significant vitamin D, widespread fortification has made it easy to find drinks enriched with this essential nutrient. Many common options, from cow's milk to certain orange juices, are fortified to help consumers meet their daily intake requirements. This guide will explore what drink has vitamin D, covering various options to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

Quick Summary

Fortified drinks, including dairy milk, plant-based alternatives like soy and almond milk, and some orange juices, are excellent sources of vitamin D. This article details these options, compares their nutritional content, and explains the benefits of including them in your diet.

Key Points

Fortified Milk: Cow's milk is commonly and consistently fortified with vitamin D to support bone health and prevent deficiency.
Plant-Based Alternatives: Fortified soy, almond, and oat milks are excellent dairy-free sources of vitamin D for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
Orange Juice: Many brands of orange juice are fortified with vitamin D and calcium, offering a dairy-free option, but check labels for sugar content.
Natural Sources: While most drinks are fortified, cod liver oil is a liquid natural source, and UV-treated mushrooms can also be used in recipes.
Smoothie Boost: You can easily create a custom, high-vitamin D drink by blending fortified milk or yogurt with other ingredients.
Label Reading: Always check the nutrition label, as fortification levels and nutritional profiles can vary significantly between brands and types of beverages.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in several bodily functions, most notably in promoting calcium absorption in the gut. This function is essential for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones. Deficiency can lead to conditions like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Beyond bone health, vitamin D is also involved in immune function, nerve and muscle function, and reducing inflammation. With limited natural food sources, fortified beverages offer a convenient way to boost daily intake.

Fortified Dairy and Plant-Based Milks

The practice of fortifying milk with vitamin D began in the 1930s to combat rickets. Today, most conventional milk and a wide range of plant-based milks are fortified, making them excellent dietary sources. A typical 8-ounce serving of fortified milk contains about 100 IU (2.5 mcg) of vitamin D, representing a significant portion of the daily value.

Cow's Milk

Fortified Standard Milk: This is one of the most common and reliable sources of vitamin D in many countries. The amount is usually standardized, ensuring consistent levels.
Skim, 1%, and 2% Milk: The fortification process adds vitamin D after processing, so the fat content does not affect the vitamin D level.
Raw Milk: Unfortified raw milk contains only trace amounts of the vitamin and is not a reliable source.

Plant-Based Milks

For those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply prefer non-dairy options, many plant-based milks are also fortified with vitamin D. It's important to always check the nutrition label, as not all brands and products fortify their beverages.

Fortified Soy Milk: Nutritionally similar to cow's milk when fortified, many brands add vitamin D along with calcium and B12. A single cup can offer over 100 IU of vitamin D.
Fortified Almond Milk: Popular for its lower calorie count, fortified almond milk is also a good source of vitamin D, often providing around 100 IU per cup.
Fortified Oat Milk: A creamy, popular alternative, many oat milk brands include vitamin D to replicate the nutritional profile of dairy. Check the label to confirm fortification.
Other Fortified Milks: Cashew and rice milks can also be fortified. The level of fortification and other nutrients will vary by brand.

Fortified Juices

While most fruit juices do not naturally contain vitamin D, many manufacturers fortify their products to offer a non-dairy option for boosting intake.

Fortified Orange Juice: This is a widely available and popular fortified juice. Many brands provide about 100 IU of vitamin D per cup, along with calcium, making it a viable alternative to milk for those with dairy allergies. When choosing, be mindful of added sugars and opt for 100% juice varieties.

Natural Sources and Supplements

Beyond fortified drinks, there are a few natural beverage-related sources of vitamin D, though their potency can vary significantly.

Cod Liver Oil: This is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin D. While not a drink in the traditional sense, it is often consumed as a liquid supplement.
UV-Treated Mushrooms: When exposed to ultraviolet light, certain mushrooms produce vitamin D2. While eating them is more common, mushroom tea is a niche way to consume some of the vitamin.
Smoothies: A smoothie can be a powerful vehicle for vitamin D. By combining fortified milk (dairy or plant-based), fortified yogurt, and even some vitamin D supplements, you can create a potent, custom drink.

Comparison Table: Common Vitamin D Drinks


Drink Type	Vitamin D (per 1 cup)	Key Benefit	Considerations
Fortified Cow's Milk	~100 IU	High calcium, protein	Contains lactose and dairy protein
Fortified Soy Milk	~100-120 IU	Dairy-free, high in protein	Check for fortification, potential soy allergy
Fortified Almond Milk	~100 IU	Dairy-free, low calorie, Vitamin E	Lower protein than dairy/soy, check for fortification
Fortified Orange Juice	~100 IU	Dairy-free, rich in Vitamin C	Can be high in sugar, check for 100% juice
Cod Liver Oil	Very High (varies)	Omega-3s, potent source	Strong taste, not a casual drink

Conclusion

For most people, the most accessible and reliable way to consume vitamin D through beverages is by choosing fortified options such as dairy milk, plant-based milk alternatives, or orange juice. While not a natural component of most drinks, fortification has been a successful public health initiative for decades, making it easy to integrate this vital nutrient into your daily diet. Always check the nutrition label to confirm fortification, especially for plant-based and juice products, and choose unsweetened varieties when possible. For those seeking maximum impact, consider combining fortified beverages with supplements to ensure optimal intake. For detailed dietary guidelines on vitamin D and other nutrients, consult the official guidelines from the National Institutes of Health.(https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/)

Fortification and Dietary Considerations

Understanding fortification and your personal dietary needs is key to leveraging vitamin D drinks effectively. For vegans, ensuring regular intake of fortified plant-based milk is crucial as their diet excludes dairy and other natural sources like fish. For those managing sugar intake, prioritizing unsweetened versions of fortified milks and juices is essential. The bioavailability of added vitamin D is considered effective, with studies showing that fortification is a viable method for maintaining healthy vitamin D levels. Ultimately, incorporating a fortified drink into your daily routine is a simple yet impactful step toward supporting your bone health, immune system, and overall well-being. Regular sun exposure and a balanced diet remain important components of a healthy lifestyle alongside these fortified options.

Frequently Asked Questions

In countries like the United States, most pasteurized cow's milk is voluntarily fortified, while in some countries like Canada, it is mandatory. However, unfortified options like raw milk do not contain significant vitamin D.

Yes, fortified plant-based milks like soy and almond milk can provide comparable amounts of vitamin D to fortified cow's milk. The key is to choose a product that has been fortified, as many brands add similar levels.

No, orange juice does not naturally contain vitamin D. The vitamin D content in orange juice comes from fortification, so it is essential to check the label to ensure it has been added.

For many people, fortified drinks are a reliable way to boost their vitamin D intake, but they should be part of a balanced diet that may also include sun exposure and other food sources like fatty fish. For those with deficiencies, supplements may be recommended by a healthcare provider.

Fortified drinks can contain either vitamin D2 (from plants) or D3 (from animal sources or synthetic). Both are effective, though some research suggests D3 may be slightly more potent.

To avoid excess sugar, opt for unsweetened or unflavored versions of fortified plant-based milks and look for 100% juice varieties. Always check the nutrition label for added sugars.

Vegans can find vitamin D in fortified plant-based milks (soy, almond, oat) and fortified orange juice. Unsweetened, fortified soy milk often has a protein content similar to cow's milk.