Distinguishing Between Fruit Juice & Fruit Drink

Many people might choose a fruit drink from the store over a cola, thinking they’re consuming something healthier and more wholesome. However, a large number of fruit drinks have little to do with the fruit they claim to contain. On the other hand, fruit juice is a freshly prepared drink made from the pulp of a fruit and is generally better for your health. This article will discuss the differences between fruit juice and fruit drinks.

Key Takeaways

• Fruit juice is a freshly prepared drink made from the pulp of a fruit, while a fruit drink is a sugary solution containing the color and flavor of the fruit but not the real fruit juice.
• Some fruit drinks do contain a small amount of fruit juice, but the rest is mainly flavor and color.
• Fruit juice is beneficial for our health, while fruit drinks may actually harm us due to their high sugar content and artificial ingredients.

Fruit Drink

It’s puzzling that the prices of fruit drinks are often the same or even higher than those of fruit juices. Most fruit drinks contain nothing more than sugar, fruit color, and artificial flavor that mimics the real fruit juice. A few fruit drinks do contain a small percentage of fruit juice and may even have some vitamins and minerals added. However, they can never substitute for a fresh fruit juice, which contains all the natural goodness of the fruit.

Fruit Juice

Freshly prepared or preserved fruit juice is full of the vitamins and minerals that the real fruit possesses, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients. While it’s true that some kids may not like the taste of certain fruits and prefer carbonated drinks high in sugar and soda, it’s wise to look for products labeled as fruit juice when shopping. Be aware of misleading terms used by fruit drink manufacturers, such as beverage, cocktail, delight, and others, which are often suffixed with the word fruit to deceive consumers. These products usually have no relation to the actual fruit juice of the fruit displayed on the packaging.

Fruit juices are mostly sold freshly prepared at roadside stalls or small shops, while those found in malls and supermarkets are pasteurized to kill bacteria and have a longer shelf life. In summary, fruit juice is a healthier and more natural option compared to fruit drinks, which often contain artificial ingredients and high sugar content.