Reporter: Kim Beavers Email

Juice and Juice Drinks

Fruit juice is a liquid naturally found in fruits. 100% fruit juices are fat-free, nutrient dense beverages that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

To identify a juice that is 100% juice…read the food label.

  • On most food labels, 100% juice will be placed above the serving size and calorie information.

  • There are some fruit beverages that are not 100% fruit juice. They may contain only 5% to 30% fruit juice. These beverages mainly contain water, added sugar (such as high fructose corn syrup), and some juice concentrate.

  • A common way to tell if a juice is 100% is by reading the name. Majority of fruit beverages that are not 100% include the following words:

    • Juice drink

    • Cocktail

    • Nectar

    • Fruit punch

Some common fruit beverages seen in grocery stores include:

  • 100% Juice with no sugar added:

    • Welch’s Grape Juice

    • Juicy Juice Apple Banana

    • Minute Maid Apple Juice

  • Fruit Drinks:

    • Hawaiian Punch (5% juice)

    • Ocean Spray CranApple/Grap/Cherry (15% juice)

    • Juicy Juice Brain Development (70% juice)

    • Caprisun (10% juice)

  • Low Calorie fruit drinks (are not 100% fruit juice):

    • Ocean Spray Cranberry Pomegranate Diet Juice Drink

    • Motts Plus Light Apple Juice

    • Izze Esque Sparkling Juice

Can 100% fruit juice be consumed in place of a fresh fruit serving?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture food guide pyramid, 1 cup of 100% fruit juice is equal to 1 cup of a fresh fruit serving. However, fresh fruit should not always be replaced with fruit juice because it lacks fiber, and is highly processed.

Bottom Line: Even though fruit juice is a better alternative than drinking beverages with no nutrient value, it should be still be limited. Excess juice consumption can lead to excess calories and the displacement of more nutrient rich foods. Recommended juice intake is no more than 6 ounces per day for children age 1-6 years old and no more than 8-12 ounces older children and adults. Enjoy delicious 100% juice in moderation.

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