What’s the Difference between Enriched and Fortified?

December 17, 2008

"Enriched" and "fortified" are terms that mean nutrients — usually vitamins or minerals — have been added to make a food more nutritious.
 
"Enriching" means adding back nutrients that were lost during food processing. For example, B vitamins, lost when wheat is refined, are added back to white flour.

"Fortified" means adding nutrients that were never present in the food to begin with. For example, milk is fortified with vitamin D to help your body absorb milk’s calcium and phosphorus, but vitamin D doesn’t occur in milk naturally.

Knowing the difference between "enriched" and "fortified" will help you make an informed and healthy decision.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team