Which brand of vitamin D is vegan? Your guide to plant-based supplements

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While many people take vitamin D supplements, a significant number of them are derived from lanolin (sheep's wool), making them non-vegan. For those following a plant-based diet, knowing which brand of vitamin D is vegan is essential to ensure their supplement aligns with their ethical choices and health needs.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies reliable vegan vitamin D brands, explains the difference between plant-friendly D2 and lichen-sourced D3, and advises on how to select the right supplement for a plant-based lifestyle.

Key Points

Lichen-Based D3: Vegan D3 is sourced from lichen, a plant-based organism, not lanolin (sheep's wool).
D2 is Always Vegan: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is typically derived from UV-exposed yeast or mushrooms.
Check the Label: Always look for explicit 'vegan' certification or 'lichen' as the source for D3 supplements.
Top Brands: Examples of reputable vegan vitamin D brands include NatureWise, HUM Nutrition, Solgar, and Future Kind+.
Absorption Matters: Some vegan vitamin D products include oils like olive or coconut oil to enhance the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamin.
D3 vs D2: Vegan D3 from lichen is chemically identical and equally effective as non-vegan D3, and may be slightly more potent than D2, though consistent daily intake mitigates differences.

Understanding Vegan Vitamin D Sources

Navigating the world of vitamin D can be tricky for vegans because of the different forms and their origins. Vitamin D is primarily available in two main forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Historically, vegan options were limited to D2, but advancements have introduced plant-based D3, broadening the choices available.

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

This form of vitamin D is always vegan-friendly as it is derived from plant-based sources like mushrooms or yeast, which are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Vitamin D2 is effective at raising vitamin D levels in the blood, particularly with daily supplementation. It is often found in fortified foods like plant-based milks and cereals.

Vegan Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Most standard vitamin D3 is sourced from lanolin, a wax secreted from sheep's wool, making it unsuitable for vegans. However, a truly vegan D3 is now available, sourced from lichen, a symbiotic organism composed of algae and fungi. Studies suggest that vitamin D3 is slightly more effective at raising blood vitamin D levels than D2, though the difference is minimal for most people with consistent daily intake. Vegan D3 from lichen is chemically identical and just as effective as its animal-derived counterpart.

Top Vegan Vitamin D Brands Sourced from Lichen

For those seeking a bioavailable and effective vegan D3, several reputable brands offer lichen-derived options. When shopping, always look for explicit vegan certifications and verify the source on the label.

HUM Nutrition Here Comes the Sun: This brand offers a vegan D3 derived from lichen in a capsule format, often praised for its quality ingredients.
NatureWise Vegan Vitamin D3: Known for sourcing organic D3 from sustainably-harvested lichen, this brand provides softgels that include organic cold-pressed olive oil for enhanced absorption.
Solgar Vegan Vitamin D3: A long-standing brand in the supplement industry, Solgar offers a body-ready vegan softgel with D3 sourced from wild-crafted lichen.
Future Kind+ Vegan Vitamin D3: This brand provides capsules containing lichen-derived vitamin D3 and is certified vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Together Health: Offering both capsules and sprays, Together Health uses vegan vitamin D3 derived from lichen and has a loyal customer base appreciating its clean formulation.
MRM Nutrition: Their Vegan D3+K2 supplement exclusively uses lichen extract for its vitamin D3, catering specifically to the vegan and vegetarian market.
Vivo Life: A popular vegan brand offering liquid vitamin D3 alongside vitamin K2, which works synergistically for bone health.

Comparison Table: Popular Vegan Vitamin D Supplements


Brand	Source	Form	Added Nutrients	Key Features
HUM Nutrition	D3 from Lichen	Capsule	None	Third-party tested, non-GMO, no artificial sweeteners
NatureWise	D3 from Lichen	Softgel	Olive Oil	Organic, Non-GMO, NSF-certified
Solgar	D3 from Lichen	Softgel	None	Wild-crafted lichen, sustainably sourced
MRM Nutrition	D3 from Lichen	Capsule	K2	Vegan certified, gluten-free, non-GMO
Together Health	D3 from Lichen	Capsule/Spray	None	Sustainably sourced, coconut oil base for absorption
Vivo Life	D3 from Lichen	Liquid Drops	K2	Optimizes D3 and Calcium absorption

How to Identify and Choose the Right Vegan Vitamin D

Beyond brand names, it is crucial to develop the skills to read and interpret product labels correctly. This ensures your chosen supplement is genuinely vegan and suitable for your health needs.

What to Look For on the Label

Explicit Labeling: Look for words like “vegan,” “certified vegan,” “plant-based,” or “vegetarian.” A certified vegan logo is the most reliable indicator.
Source Specification: Read the ingredients list carefully. If it's a D3 supplement, confirm it explicitly says “from lichen”. If the source is not specified, assume it is animal-derived, typically from lanolin.
D2 Supplements: For vitamin D2 products, the source is almost always yeast or mushrooms, making them inherently vegan. These labels will typically specify “D2 (ergocalciferol)”.

Other Factors to Consider

Bioavailability: Some products include complementary fats like olive oil or coconut oil to aid absorption, as vitamin D is fat-soluble.
Dosage: Vegan vitamin D supplements come in various strengths (e.g., 1000 IU, 2000 IU, 5000 IU). Consult a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage for your needs.
Form: Choose a form that fits your lifestyle. Liquid drops are great for kids or those who dislike pills, while capsules and softgels are convenient for daily use.

For more detailed health information on vitamin D, consult authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

Finding a vegan brand of vitamin D has become easier than ever, thanks to the rise of lichen-based D3 supplements. By understanding the different forms (D2 from yeast, D3 from lichen) and knowing how to interpret product labels, vegans can confidently select a high-quality supplement. Brands like NatureWise, HUM Nutrition, and Solgar are among the most trusted options, providing effective, animal-free solutions to support bone and immune health, ensuring your supplement choices align with your ethical principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most vitamin D supplements are not vegan. The most common form of D3 is derived from lanolin, which comes from sheep's wool. Vegan options include D2 from yeast or mushrooms, and D3 from lichen.

Vegan vitamin D3 is typically extracted from lichen, a unique plant-like organism consisting of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae.

Check the product label for clear 'certified vegan' or 'plant-based' markings. For D3 supplements, the ingredient list should specify 'lichen' as the source, rather than just 'cholecalciferol'.

Yes, vegan D3 from lichen is chemically identical to non-vegan D3 and is considered to be just as effective at raising blood vitamin D levels.

Yes, but the options are limited. Natural food sources include UV-exposed mushrooms, and many plant-based foods like cereals, milks, and juices are fortified with vegan D2 or lichen-derived D3.

Both forms are effective, but D3 is often preferred for its slightly higher potency and longer-lasting effect on blood levels, especially with higher doses. However, consistent daily supplementation with D2 can also maintain adequate levels.

Yes, brands like Mary Ruth's and others offer vegan vitamin D gummies. As with capsules or drops, it's important to read the label to ensure they are explicitly marked as vegan and sourced from plants.