Juice is a majority water, and when that water is removed, you’re left with juice concentrate. Some juice concentrates are healthier than others, with 100% juice concentrates being the healthiest.

Juice concentrate is fruit juice from which most of the water has been extracted. Depending on the type, it may offer some essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

However, juice concentrate is more heavily processed than raw fruit juice, possibly leaving you to wonder whether it’s good or bad for your health.

Before consuming juice concentrate

Speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding juice concentrates into your diet. They may not be suitable for everyone.

Water comprises as much as 90% of some juice, such as orange juice. When most of this water is removed, the result is a thick, syrupy product known as juice concentrate.

Because a fruit’s or vegetable’s natural flavor may become diluted as a result of this process, many companies add:

  • flavor packs, which are artificial compounds made from fruit byproducts
  • sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
  • sodium (to vegetable juice blends)
  • artificial colors and aromas

Extracting the water reduces bacterial growth, meaning that concentrate doesn’t spoil as easily as juice. This process likewise cuts:

  • packaging
  • storage
  • transportation costs

Still, processing methods differ between brands. And juice concentrates sold at room temperature or frozen are meant to be added to water before consumption.

100% fruit concentrate

Concentrates made from 100% fruit are the most nourishing juice concentrates, as they pack the most nutrients. They’re only sweetened with natural fruit sugars — not added sugar. However, they may still harbor additives.

If you’re concerned about additives, be sure to check the ingredient list.

Concentrated fruit cocktail, punch, or beverage

Products sold as concentrated fruit cocktails, punches, or beverages are made from a blend of juices. These often include added flavors or sweeteners to compensate for a lack of whole fruit or vegetables.

Reading nutrition labels is key. You may want to steer clear of the product if the first ingredient is an added sugar such as:

Powdered juice concentrates

Powdered juice concentrates are dehydrated using methods like spray and freeze drying. This removes all the water and allows these products to take up less space.

Remember: Many powdered juice concentrates contain added sugar, so you’ll want to read the labels carefully.

Rich in important nutrients

One cup (8 ounces) of orange juice prepared from unsweetened frozen concentrate provides 100% of the Daily Value (DV)Trusted Source of vitamin C. This nutrient plays an important roleTrusted Source in your immunity and wound healing.

Carrot juice from 100% vegetable concentrate is a rich source of vitamin A, offering a whopping 400% of the DVTrusted Source per cup. This vitamin boostsTrusted Source:

  • vision
  • immunity
  • reproduction
  • growth and development
  • vital organ function

A 2021 study of 18 adults studied the effects of an encapsulated fruit, vegetable, and berry juice powder concentrate on the levels of certain vitamins. Participants ingested 6 capsules daily for 8 weeks. Results saw increased levels of:

Packs beneficial plant compounds

Juice concentrate contains beneficial plant compounds, such as:

Anthocyanins are associated withTrusted Source improved heart health.

The same 2021 study from above also looked at the levels of specific carotenoids and saw increases in:

  • alpha carotene
  • beta cryptoxanthin
  • lycopene

According to a 2019 research review, flavonoids from citrus fruits may:

  • protect against heart disease
  • reduce obesity
  • help manage glucose and lipid breakdown

This review, however, didn’t look at juice or juice concentrates. The findings would likely be different had they done that.

May decrease inflammation

Carotenoids and vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants, which help fight inflammation in your body. While inflammation is a natural bodily response, it’s linked toTrusted Source many health conditions, including:

Anti-inflammatory compounds in some juice concentrates may help prevent or manage these conditions. But more research is needed.

May promote skin health

As we have determined, juice concentrates contain antioxidants, which may promote skin health and healthy skin aging, according to a 2022 research review. They may do this by:

  • defending against oxidants
  • lowering inflammation
  • support the structure of your skin

Some of these antioxidants you can only consume through plant foods.

Shelf life and affordability

Juice concentrates may be an affordable alternative to freshly squeezed juice.

What’s more, frozen or shelf-stable varieties don’t spoil easily. They’re convenient if you don’t have access to fresh fruits or vegetables.

Some have added sugars and preservatives

The Department of Health and Human Services recommendsTrusted Source consuming less than 10% of your daily calories from added sugars. A diet high in added sugars is linked toTrusted Source chronic illnesses such as:

Many juice concentrates contain added sugars and preservatives. When possible, opt for those without these additives, sodium, and other potentially health-harming ingredients.

Not as nutritious as whole fruits and vegetables

You shouldn’t use juice concentrate as a whole fruit or vegetable substitute. Concentrate lacks the fiber that only whole foods can provide.

Fruit juice concentrate products may trigger spikes in blood sugar more than whole fruits. This is because fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Concentrates also often pack more carbohydrates and calories per serving than whole fruits and vegetables.

A medium orange (131 grams [g]) has 62 caloriesTrusted Source and 15 g of carbs, while an 8-ounce (240-ml) glass of orange juice made from 100% concentrate has 110 caloriesTrusted Source and 24 g of carbs.

Juicing requires more fruit and vegetables than you would normally eat whole. Additives also contribute to calories. Even the most nutritious juice concentrate products should be consumed in moderation.

Juice concentrates are low cost alternatives to juice that don’t spoil easily and may provide some essential vitamins and antioxidants — some of which you can only consume through plant foods.

However, they’re highly processed and often loaded with sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other additives.

If you buy juice concentrates, look for ones made from 100% juice. Keep in mind whole fruits and vegetables are always a more nutritious option.

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