unfortified

Unfortified is a term used to describe products—especially beverages and foods—that have not had additional substances added to enhance their strength, nutrition, or sweetness. The exact meaning varies by context, but the core idea is absence of fortification beyond the natural ingredients or fermentation.

In wine, unfortified (or non-fortified) wines are those that have not had a distilled spirit added to raise alcohol content or alter sweetness. Fortified wines such as port, sherry, and Madeira achieve higher alcohol levels by adding grape spirits; unfortified wines rely solely on fermentation to develop alcohol. Typical table wines carry about 11–15% alcohol by volume, depending on grape variety and production methods. The term helps distinguish everyday wines from fortified products used for dessert or style reasons.

In nutrition and food labeling, unfortified denotes the absence of added vitamins or minerals. Fortified or enriched foods have had micronutrients added during processing, often to prevent deficiencies in the population. Common examples include fortified cereals, bread, and dairy products. Unfortified foods retain only the nutrients naturally present in the ingredients, and their micronutrient content can vary with soil, variety, and processing.

The term can appear on labels to clarify product composition and to help consumers who seek either natural or fortified options. Regulatory definitions of fortification vary by country and product category, influencing how “unfortified” is applied in labeling and marketing.