For more information about the health effects, please refer to the background paper by Magdalena Rosell and Christine Delisle (Rosell & Delisle, 2023). For more information about the environmental impacts, please refer to the following background papers (Benton et al., 2022; Harwatt et al., 2023; Meltzer et al., 2023; Trolle et al., 2023).
Fruit juice is 100 % pure juice made from whole or flesh of fruits and berries. It is not permitted to add sugar, sweeteners, preservatives, flavouring or colouring to fruit juice (Rosell & Delisle, 2023).
Dietary sources and intake. The nutrient content of fruit juice might be similar to the nutrient content of the fruits (or berries), although some juices contain no or a lower amount of dietary fibre. The average intake of juices ranges from approximately 35 to 115 g/d (Lemming & Pitsi, 2022).
Health effects. Two qSRs are available on the role of fruit juice and health outcomes (Mayer-Davis et al., 2020a; WCRF/AICR, 2018b). It has been suggested that large quantities of fruit juice may promote weight gain; however, none of these qSRs could demonstrate evidence for this association. A separate qSR found some evidence that a higher consumption of SSB and acidic foods and beverages, such as fruit juice, may result in more dental caries in children’s teeth and increase tooth wear, but the effects of fruit juice per se could not be determined (SACN, 2015).
As discussed in Rosell and Deslisle (2023), fruit juices are sugary drinks and could have similar effects as SSB has on weight gain. Therefore, it is recommended that high intake of fruit juice should be avoided.
Suggested beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease as well as adverse effects on weight gain and tooth erosion remain to be further investigated. Avoiding drinking fruit juice between meals may be relevant to prevent possible tooth erosion (Rosell & Delisle, 2023).
Environmental impacts Considerations regarding the climate and the environmental impact of fruit juice are similar to the original fruits and berries (Harwatt et al., 2023). The impact from fruit juice production varies, depending on technology, waste handling, site specific conditions and yield of the original fruit. However, the impacts are still lower compared to animal-based products. As for fruit and berries, environmental concerns are mainly related to pesticide uses and impacts on biodiversity, locally and globally. In landscapes, flowering crops such as fruits and berries support pollinators and add diversity to the landscape. Fruit and berries not meeting food grade quality can be made into fruit juice, thereby keeping that part of the harvest in food production (Harwatt et al., 2023; Meltzer et al., 2023; Trolle et al., 2023).
Main data gaps. More data on health outcomes are warranted.
Risk groups. No risk groups identified.
Science advice:
Based on health outcomes: A low to moderate intake of fruit juice, may contribute to some nutrients and be part of a healthy diet for adults. High intake of fruit juice should be avoided. Intake of fruit juice should be limited for children.
Based on environmental impacts: Climate and environmental impact of fruit juice depend on the fruits and berries they contain, and climate impact is generally low.
Overall science advice: Low to moderate intake of fruit juice may be part of a healthy diet. Intake of fruit juice should be limited for children.