Which orange juice is high in vitamin D?

December 15, 2025 •

2 min read

Did you know that natural orange juice contains virtually no vitamin D? For a significant dose of this essential nutrient, you need to look for specific brands that are fortified, providing a convenient way to get vitamin D into your diet, especially for those with low sun exposure or dairy-free needs.

Quick Summary

Fortified orange juice offers a boost of vitamin D, but it's crucial to check nutrition labels for brands with added nutrients. Many popular options exist, providing a practical way to supplement your intake and support immune function and bone health.

Key Points

Not Natural: Regular orange juice does not contain vitamin D; you must purchase a fortified version to receive this nutrient.
Check the Label: To find a fortified juice, look for phrases like 'Fortified with Vitamin D' on the carton and check the nutrition facts panel for the specific amount.
Popular Brands: Major brands like Tropicana, Simply Orange, Kroger, and Minute Maid offer orange juice fortified with vitamin D and often with calcium.
Health Benefits: Fortified orange juice supports bone health, boosts the immune system, and can benefit cardiovascular health and mood.
Consider Sugar: While beneficial, orange juice is high in natural sugars, so moderation is key. Opt for low-sugar versions if needed.

Orange Juice: Fortified, Not Naturally High in Vitamin D

Orange juice does not naturally contain vitamin D. This vitamin is typically found in fatty fish, egg yolks, beef liver, or produced by the skin with sun exposure. To get vitamin D from orange juice, it must be fortified, meaning the nutrient is added during processing. This fortification makes certain orange juices a dietary source of vitamin D.

How to Identify Fortified Orange Juice

Finding fortified orange juice requires checking product information like the label and packaging claims. Look for phrases like “Fortified with Calcium & Vitamin D” and check the nutrition facts for vitamin D content. Fortified products may contain vitamin D2 or D3, with D3 potentially more effective for raising blood levels.

Popular Brands of Fortified Orange Juice

Several major brands offer fortified orange juice, including Tropicana Pure Premium, Simply Orange, Kroger, Minute Maid, and 365 by Whole Foods Market. Florida's Natural also offers a fortified option. These brands provide options ranging from 100% pure juice to options from concentrate, some with no added sugar.

Fortified Orange Juice Brand Comparison

Here is a comparison of some fortified orange juice brands. Nutritional details can vary.


Brand	Fortification	Pulp Options	Note on Concentration	Typical Vitamin D (per 8 oz)	Typical Calcium (per 8 oz)
Tropicana Pure Premium	Calcium + Vitamin D	Varies	100% Pure Juice	~100 IU	Excellent source
Simply Orange	Calcium & Vitamin D	Pulp-Free only	100% Pure Squeezed	~100 IU	Excellent source
Kroger	Calcium & Vitamin D	Varies	Can be from concentrate or not	~100 IU (as an excellent source)	Excellent source
Minute Maid	Calcium & Vitamin D	Varies	Can be from concentrate or not	Excellent source	Excellent source
365 by Whole Foods Market	Calcium and Vitamin D	Varies	Not from Concentrate	~100 IU	Excellent source

Benefits of Drinking Fortified Orange Juice

Fortified orange juice offers several health benefits:

Bone Health: Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, crucial for strong bones and teeth, reducing osteoporosis risk.
Immune Support: Adequate vitamin D is linked to a healthy immune system, aiding in fighting off illness. Combined with orange juice's natural vitamin C, it boosts immunity.
Heart Health: Vitamin D may help regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
Mood: Sufficient vitamin D levels can positively impact mood; low levels are associated with depression.
Dairy Alternative: It provides a dairy-free source of vitamin D for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.

Important Considerations for Consumption

Consume fortified orange juice in moderation due to its sugar content. An 8-ounce serving contains about 21 grams of sugar. Whole fruit is often recommended over juice because its fiber slows sugar absorption. Some brands offer reduced-sugar options.

Conclusion

To find orange juice high in vitamin D, choose fortified products from brands like Tropicana, Simply, Kroger, Minute Maid, and Whole Foods 365. Always check the nutrition label for confirmation and be mindful of sugar content. Fortified orange juice can be a useful part of a balanced diet, supporting bone health, immunity, and overall well-being when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, orange juice does not naturally contain vitamin D. You must look for brands that have been specifically fortified with vitamin D during the manufacturing process.

Many popular brands carry a fortified option, including Tropicana Pure Premium, Simply Orange, Minute Maid, and store brands like Kroger and 365 by Whole Foods Market. Always check the label to be sure.

An 8-ounce cup of fortified orange juice generally provides around 100 IU of vitamin D, which is approximately 12% of the Daily Value. The exact amount can vary by brand, so check the label.

Yes. Vitamin D3 is generally considered more effective at raising blood levels of the vitamin compared to D2, though both forms are useful. Some fortified products may contain D3, while others use D2.

While it can contribute to your daily intake, it's difficult to meet your full daily needs from fortified orange juice alone. An 8-ounce serving provides a percentage of the recommended daily value, but other sources and supplements may be needed for adequate intake.

Fortification makes orange juice a source of vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption for bone health, supports immune function, and may benefit cardiovascular health.

Yes, for those who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy, fortified orange juice is an excellent non-dairy alternative to increase their intake of vitamin D and calcium.