A recent study reveals that consuming 100% fruit juice is a marker for healthier diet choices and does not displace whole fruit consumption.
The study, published in Nutrients on Aug. 21, explored the consumption patterns of 100% fruit juice and diluted juice with the goal of better understanding its relationship to diet quality. Population groups in the study included consideration for sex, age group, income-to-poverty ratio and race/ethnicity.
For its analysis, researchers utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), cycles 2017–2020 and 2021–2023.
“NHANES gives us a nationally representative look at what Americans eat and drink,” said Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research for the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC). “Because participants provide detailed 24-hour dietary recalls collected over multiple days, the data offers a foundation for studying eating patterns, including 100% juice intake.”
Current recommendations for consumption of 100% fruit juice (containing no added sugar) from Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are dependent upon age, ranging from a half cup to one-and-a-quarter-cups per day.
“According to the AAP, 100% fruit juice can fit into children’s diets when served in moderation alongside balanced meals and snacks,” said Jennifer Hillis, citrus nutrition research liaison at the University of South Florida College of Public Health. “Similarly, the 2020–2025 DGA notes that 100% fruit juices, such as orange juice, can help people meet daily fruit recommendations.”
The study yielded these observations:
- Consumption of 100% fruit juice and diluted 100% juice is below the DGA guidelines.
- Comparatively, the consumption of beverages containing added sugars was much higher, especially among children and young adults.
- 100% fruit juice made up only 40% of total fruit intake on average.
- Consumers who drank more 100% fruit juice/diluted juice had an overall diet with more total whole fruit, more potassium, calcium and vitamin C, while consuming less added sugars compared to those who did not.
- Younger children, lower income groups and minorities (non-Hispanic Black children) consumed more 100% juice than others.
- Higher income groups consumed more whole fruit, while lower-income groups consumed more juice due to affordability.
“The study reveals that consumers of 100% juice had higher Healthy Eating Index scores (53 vs. 48) and Nutrient Rich Food scores,” said Hillis.
The study concludes that 100% fruit juice does not displace whole fruit in most cases but rather contributes to total fruit recommendations and helps fill nutrient gaps for populations that may not be able to afford (or have access to) whole fruit.
According to the FDOC, “the study supports that 100% orange juice, which is a principal 100% fruit juice, can serve an important role to fill nutrient gaps with an 8-ounce glass.”
Source: FDOC
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