What does fortified actually mean?
Fortified foods have nutrients added to them. Two similar-looking plant drinks can contain different added vitamins and minerals, so the product label matters more than the category name.
Fortified means nutrients were added
European rules govern which vitamin and mineral sources may be added to foods. Fortification is different from a nutrient occurring naturally in the base ingredient.
The nutrient set is not fixed
Plant-based drinks vary considerably. Calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D may be added, but a category name cannot confirm what is in one carton.
The label is the direct evidence
Compare the declared nutrients using the same volume, such as 100 ml, on each carton. A nutrient that is not declared should not automatically be treated as absent. Fortified amounts can also change when a product is reformulated.
References
Source-checked educational draft. Human editorial review pending.
European CommissionAddition of vitamins and minerals to foodsSource accessed 2026-09-04UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and Committee on ToxicityHealth benefits and risks of consuming plant-based drinks: summarySource accessed 2026-09-04European CommissionNutrition labellingSource accessed 2026-09-04