Real fruit juice from concentrate has gotten a bad rap over the years. Some believe that it's bad for you while others think that it's a lesser-quality version of fresh fruit juice. (I know a certain brand of orange juice in a can that comes to mind growing up…) In reality, fruit juice concentrate can be healthy and nutritious. Let’s take a look at some of the common myths about fruit juice concentrate and explain why they're, in fact, not true.
Myth #1: Fruit juice concentrate is full of added sugar.
Many people believe that fruit juice concentrate is loaded with added sugar. Now, some brands of fruit juice concentrate contain added sweeteners but MANY are made from 100% fruit juice with no added sugars. Choosing a brand that's made with real fruit juice and no added sweeteners, you get the natural sweetness of the fruit while avoiding additional, unnatural sugars.
Myth #2: Fruit juice concentrate has no nutritional value.
A long-standing myth about fruit juice concentrate is that it's nutritionally empty. This just simply is not the case. Often times, fruit juice concentrate is fortified with additional vitamins and minerals making it a great source of nutrition. For example: Orange juice concentrate is often fortified with vitamin D and calcium, two nutrients that are important for bone health. Additionally, fruit juice concentrate is a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Myth #3: Fruit juice concentrate is a lower-quality version of fresh fruit juice.
Some people believe that fruit juice concentrate is a lower-quality version of fresh fruit juice but this couldn't be further from the truth. The fact is fruit juice concentrate is made from fresh fruit that has been juiced and then had the water removed. This process concentrates the natural flavors and nutrients in the fruit juice making it more intense and flavorful than fresh fruit juice.
Myth #4: Fruit juice concentrate is bad for your teeth.
It's true that fruit juice concentrate can be acidic which can potentially erode tooth enamel. However, this is true of all acidic foods and drinks, not just fruit juice concentrate. There are many reasons to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly. Brush your teeth!
Myth #5: Fruit juice concentrate is not a natural product.
Some people believe that fruit juice concentrate is a highly processed and unnatural product. While it's true that fruit juice concentrate undergoes a process to remove the water from the juice, it's still made from real fruit and is not a synthetic or artificial product. Many brands of fruit juice concentrate are made with minimal processing and no added preservatives - these are a natural and healthy choice.
Fruit juice concentrate is a nutritious and healthy choice that's often misunderstood. While there are some brands that contain added sugars and preservatives, many are made from 100% fruit juice with no added sweeteners. Fruit juice concentrate is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and its concentrated flavor makes it a delicious addition to many recipes, especially beverages. So the next time you hear someone say that fruit juice concentrate is bad for you, remember the truth: it's a natural and healthy choice that can provide many nutritional benefits.
