Clearing Up Confusion on Juice

Clearing Up Confusion on Juice

Why choose 100% juice?
100% juice is a healthy beverage because it has most of the nutrients found in fruit. It has natural sugar but no added sugar. Juice drinks usually have added sugar. Read the label to see what percent juice is in your beverage.

How much 100% fruit juice should we drink?

If you choose to drink 100% fruit juice, children 1 to 6 years old should have 4 to 6 ounces a day. Older children and adults should have no more than 8 to 12 ounces a day.

Do smoothies or fruit-flavored sports drinks count?

If smoothies are made with 100% juice, then this juice counts toward your total juice intake. Fruit-flavored sports drinks usually have very little if any juice and often have added sugar.

Tips for drinking less fruit juice:

• Eat whole fruit instead of juice.
• Have juice with only one meal a day.
• Drink water or sparkling water

Source: Gayle Coleman, Nutrition Education Program Specialist