What Vitamins Are In Oatmilk? A Comprehensive Guide

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition experts, most commercial oat milks are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to improve their nutritional profile, as many nutrients are lost during the straining process. But what vitamins are in oatmilk, and how do they compare to other milk types? This guide explores the complete vitamin and mineral content of store-bought versus homemade oat milk.

Quick Summary

The vitamin content of oat milk depends heavily on fortification. Store-bought varieties are typically enriched with crucial nutrients such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, and calcium, while homemade versions contain only naturally occurring vitamins and minerals present in whole oats.

Key Points

Fortification is Key: Commercial oat milk is fortified with essential nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, and calcium, to improve its nutritional profile.
Essential B Vitamins: Vitamin B12 and Riboflavin (B2) are commonly added to fortified oat milk and are important for energy production and nerve function.
Bone Health Support: The combination of fortified calcium and Vitamin D in commercial oat milk is vital for maintaining strong bones.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade oat milk lacks the fortification of commercial versions and therefore contains significantly fewer vitamins like B12 and D.
Read the Label: Always check the nutrition label to confirm a product is fortified and to monitor levels of added sugars.
Beyond Vitamins: Oat milk also provides heart-healthy soluble fiber (beta-glucan) naturally found in oats, which can help lower cholesterol.

The Importance of Fortification in Oat Milk

Oat milk, made from oats and water, loses much of its natural nutritional value during processing. Commercial brands address this by fortifying their products with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a more complete dairy alternative. This fortification is particularly beneficial for those on vegan or plant-based diets to ensure adequate intake of nutrients like Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D.

Key Fortified Vitamins in Commercial Oat Milk

The specific vitamins and amounts can differ by brand, so checking the nutrition label is recommended. Common fortified vitamins include:

Vitamin B12: Crucial for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis, B12 is often added because it is primarily found in animal products. Fortified oat milk can be a good source for vegans.
Vitamin D: Important for calcium absorption and bone health, Vitamin D is commonly added. It supports strong bones and teeth, particularly for those with limited sun exposure.
Vitamin A: This vitamin, important for vision and immune function, is another fat-soluble vitamin frequently added to commercial oat milk.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Essential for energy metabolism, Riboflavin is often included in fortified oat milk, contributing to daily recommended intake.

Naturally Occurring Nutrients from Oats

Despite processing, oat milk retains some natural nutrients from whole oats. These include:

Beta-Glucan Fiber: A soluble fiber known for lowering cholesterol.
B Vitamins: Oats contain natural B vitamins like thiamin (B1) and folate, involved in energy production.
Minerals: Trace amounts of minerals like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and iron are present, though in lower concentrations than in whole oats.
Antioxidants: Oats contain avenanthramides, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Homemade Oat Milk vs. Store-Bought: A Comparison

Choosing between homemade and store-bought involves considering nutritional content. Store-bought is generally more nutrient-rich due to fortification.


Feature	Fortified Store-Bought Oat Milk	Homemade Oat Milk
Key Vitamins	Fortified with A, D, B12, B2, and often iodine.	Contains only naturally occurring vitamins from the oats, mainly some B vitamins and vitamin E.
Calcium	Almost always fortified to levels comparable to dairy milk.	Naturally contains very low levels of calcium; not a reliable source [1.1io.1].
Fiber	Typically contains some soluble fiber, including beta-glucan.	Usually contains a good amount of fiber.
Processing	Ensures consistent fortification levels.	Nutrient content is less predictable.
Additives	May contain thickeners, emulsifiers, or added sugars.	Can be made with just oats, water, and optional natural flavorings.

The Benefits of Oat Milk's Vitamin Profile

Consuming fortified oat milk offers several health benefits:

Supports Bone Health: Added calcium and Vitamin D help strengthen bones.
Boosts Energy Levels: B vitamins aid in converting food to energy.
Promotes Heart Health: Beta-glucan fiber helps reduce cholesterol.
Strengthens Immune Function: Vitamins A, D, and B12 support the immune system.

Potential Considerations

Important points to remember about oat milk's nutrition:

Protein Content: Generally lower than cow's milk or soy milk.
Added Sugars: Some flavored varieties contain higher sugar levels; unsweetened is recommended.
Allergens: Check for gluten-free certification if needed.

How to Choose the Right Oat Milk

Tips for selecting oat milk:

Read the Label: Check nutrition facts and ingredients, prioritizing unsweetened options.
Look for Fortification: Ensure key vitamins like B12, D, and calcium are added.
Consider Your Needs: B12 and D fortification is vital for vegans; choose gluten-free if necessary.
Taste and Texture: Brands vary; barista blends are for frothing, while original is good for general use.

Conclusion

The vitamin content of oat milk is significantly influenced by fortification. While oats provide some natural nutrients, commercial oat milk is typically enhanced with essential vitamins like B12, D, A, and Riboflavin, making it a nutritious dairy alternative, particularly for those on plant-based diets. Reading labels helps in choosing a product that meets individual dietary needs. Homemade oat milk lacks these fortifications, so other sources for key vitamins may be needed.

For additional nutritional details, resources like Healthline's article on oat milk are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only if it is a fortified commercial brand. Vitamin B12 is not naturally present in plant-based products in sufficient amounts, so vegans rely on fortified foods or supplements. Most store-bought oat milks add B12 to their formula to make them a reliable source.

Fortified commercial oat milk is typically a good source of Vitamin D, which is added during manufacturing. Unfortified or homemade oat milk, however, contains very little to no Vitamin D.

No, homemade oat milk is not as nutritious in terms of vitamin and mineral content because it lacks the added fortifications. While it retains some natural nutrients from the oats, it is not a reliable source of key vitamins like B12 and D.

Calcium is added to commercial oat milk to help match the nutritional profile of dairy milk. Oats themselves naturally contain very little calcium, so fortification with calcium carbonate or tricalcium phosphate ensures the milk provides a bone-strengthening benefit.

No, the vitamin content and fortification levels can vary significantly between brands. It is essential to check the nutrition facts on the product packaging, as some brands are more heavily fortified than others.

Unfortified oat milk, such as homemade versions, will contain trace amounts of B vitamins like thiamin and folate from the whole oats, but most of the nutrients are removed during straining, making it a poor source of vitamins.

Oat milk's vitamin content is often comparable to cow's milk, but primarily due to fortification rather than natural presence. Cow's milk naturally provides a wider range of vitamins and minerals, along with more protein, but is higher in saturated fat.