What Drink is High in Vitamin K? Your Guide to Nutrient-Rich Beverages

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Did you know that just one cup of raw spinach contains 145 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K, highlighting how greens-based beverages are high in this nutrient? For those seeking to boost their intake of this essential vitamin for blood clotting and bone health, knowing what drink is high in vitamin K is a key step.

Quick Summary

Green smoothies made with kale or spinach are potent sources of vitamin K, while certain fruit juices and fermented drinks also contribute to daily intake. Choices like carrot juice, pomegranate juice, and kefir offer convenient ways to supplement the diet.

Key Points

Green Smoothies are Most Potent: Blending kale or spinach into a smoothie provides the highest concentration of vitamin K in a drinkable form, with a single cup of kale providing over 1,000% of the daily value.
Juices Offer a Convenient Option: Carrot and pomegranate juices are good sources of vitamin K, providing a decent boost of the nutrient in a single serving.
Fermented Drinks Provide Vitamin K2: Kefir, a fermented milk product, is a good source of vitamin K2, which is important for calcium regulation and bone health.
Caution with Blood Thinners: If you take blood-thinning medication like warfarin, maintaining a consistent vitamin K intake is crucial; consult your doctor before making significant dietary changes, including consuming high amounts of greens-based drinks.
Consider the Whole Food: While juicing offers convenience, remember that the whole vegetable or fruit contains additional fiber that is removed during the juicing process.
Variety is Key: Combining different vitamin K-rich drinks, such as a green smoothie one day and kefir the next, can help ensure a balanced intake of both K1 and K2.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for several critical bodily functions, including proper blood clotting and bone health. While many people associate it with food sources, such as leafy greens, a variety of beverages can also serve as excellent and convenient sources. This guide explores which drinks are high in vitamin K and how to incorporate them into a balanced diet.

The Top Contenders: Nutrient-Dense Smoothies

When it comes to concentrated vitamin K in a glass, smoothies made with leafy greens are the undisputed champions. The process of blending breaks down the fibrous plant material, making the nutrients more readily available for the body to absorb. Here are some top choices:

The Kale-Power Smoothie

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, and its vitamin K content is off the charts. Just one cup of raw kale can provide over 1,000% of the recommended daily value of vitamin K. Blending it into a smoothie is a simple way to consume a large quantity without feeling overwhelmed. To make a delicious and palatable kale smoothie, try this recipe:

1 cup chopped kale
1 cup frozen pineapple or mango chunks
1 ripe banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water
A small piece of ginger for extra flavor

The Spinach Superstar Smoothie

For those who find kale's flavor too strong, spinach is a milder but equally potent alternative. As mentioned, a single cup of raw spinach packs a significant amount of vitamin K. Its mild flavor makes it easy to hide amongst sweeter fruits. A simple spinach smoothie recipe includes:

A large handful of fresh spinach
1 cup mixed frozen berries (blueberries and strawberries work well)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
1/2 cup water or milk of choice

Nutrient-Packed Vegetable Juices

While juicing removes some fiber, it concentrates the vitamins and minerals, offering a quick hit of nutrients. Some vegetable juices are surprisingly high in vitamin K.

Carrot Juice

Three-quarters of a cup of carrot juice can provide a quick and easy serving of vitamin K. It's a sweet, approachable juice that is often used in blends. This makes it a great option for those new to vegetable juicing.

Cabbage Juice

Raw cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin K, and its juice is no exception. Be aware that cabbage juice has a strong, earthy flavor and can interact with blood-thinning medication. It is highly advisable to consult a healthcare provider before adding large amounts to your diet, especially if on medication.

Fruity Finds with a Vitamin K Kick

While leafy greens are the best source, some fruit juices also contribute a respectable amount of vitamin K, along with other vitamins and antioxidants.

Pomegranate Juice

This vibrant red juice is known for its antioxidants and is also rich in vitamin K, which contributes to blood clotting and bone development. A glass of pomegranate juice can provide a moderate boost to your daily vitamin K intake.

Blackberry Juice

Blackberry juice is another noteworthy fruit-based option. Per 100g, it offers a solid amount of vitamin K, according to nutrition data. Its flavor pairs well with other fruits in mixed juices or smoothies.

Fermented Beverages for K2

There are two main types of vitamin K: K1 (phylloquinone), found primarily in plants, and K2 (menaquinone), found in fermented foods and animal products. Consuming vitamin K2 is also important for health.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink rich in probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. Certain kefir products can be a good source of vitamin K2, which plays a role in calcium transport and bone health. It has a tangy flavor and can be consumed on its own, poured over cereal, or blended into a smoothie.

Comparison Table: Vitamin K Content in Popular Drinks

This table provides an overview of the vitamin K content in different beverages. It is important to note that content can vary by product and preparation method.


Drink (per cup/serving)	Approximate Vitamin K Content (mcg)	Primary Vitamin K Type	Notes
Kale Smoothie (with 1 cup raw kale)	~1020	K1	Significantly exceeds daily needs
Spinach Smoothie (with 1 cup raw spinach)	~145	K1	Excellent source
Carrot Juice (3/4 cup)	~28	K1	Good, easily accessible source
Cabbage Juice (using 1 cup raw cabbage)	~68	K1	Very high, strong flavor; consult doctor if on blood thinners
Pomegranate Juice (3/4 cup)	~19	K1	Moderate source, high in antioxidants
Blackberry Juice (100g)	~15.2	K1	Decent source from fruit
Prune Juice (1 cup)	~8.4	K1	Low source from juice; whole prunes are better
Kefir (fermented milk)	Variable (good source of K2)	K2	Great for gut health and K2 intake

Incorporating Vitamin K-Rich Drinks into Your Diet

For a consistent and easy way to increase your vitamin K intake, consider these strategies:

Morning Smoothie Boost: Start your day with a green smoothie containing spinach or kale. You can mix it with fruits to mask the vegetable flavor.
Mid-Day Juice Break: Enjoy a glass of carrot or pomegranate juice for a refreshing and nutritious treat. Pay attention to sugar content in store-bought versions.
Probiotic-Rich Kefir: Add kefir to your morning cereal or blend it into a fruit smoothie to get a boost of Vitamin K2 and beneficial probiotics.
Consistency is Key: For those on blood thinners, maintaining a consistent vitamin K intake is crucial. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure your diet aligns with your medication requirements. Sudden large changes can be problematic.

Conclusion

While whole foods remain the best primary source of vitamin K, incorporating certain beverages can significantly help meet your daily needs. Green smoothies made with kale and spinach stand out as the most potent options. Juices from carrots and pomegranates and fermented drinks like kefir also offer valuable contributions. As always, consider your overall dietary pattern and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are taking blood-thinning medication, to ensure a balanced and safe approach to boosting your vitamin K intake.

For more detailed information on vitamin K and its functions, refer to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of vitamin K is to assist with blood clotting. It is also crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones, as it helps regulate calcium levels.

A smoothie is often preferable because it retains the fiber from the ingredients, which is beneficial for digestion. However, juices offer a more concentrated source of vitamins and minerals, though they may contain more sugar without the fiber.

While dried green tea leaves contain some vitamin K, a typical serving of hot, brewed green tea does not contain a significant amount. Green tea can interfere with blood thinners, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially if taking such medication.

No, prune juice does not have a particularly high amount of vitamin K. Whole prunes are a much better source of the vitamin compared to the juice.

The two main types of vitamin K are K1 (phylloquinone), which is found mainly in green leafy vegetables, and K2 (menaquinone), which is found in fermented foods and some animal products.

Yes, some beverages are fortified with vitamin K. It's best to check the nutritional label of products like certain plant-based milks to see if they are a source.

Yes, because cabbage is very high in vitamin K, consuming cabbage juice can affect blood-thinning medications like warfarin. It is strongly advised to speak with your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.