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% fruit concentrates being the healthiest.
However, concentrate is more heavily processed than raw fruit juice, leaving many people to wonder whether it’s good or bad for their health (1).
This article tells you everything you need to know about juice concentrates, including whether they’re healthy.
Water can comprise as much as 90% of juice (1, 2).
When most of this liquid is removed, the result is a thick, syrupy product known as juice concentrate.
Extracting the water reduces bacterial growth, meaning that concentrate doesn’t spoil as easily as juice. This process likewise cuts packaging, storage, and transportation costs (1).
Still, processing methods differ. Most concentrates are filtered, evaporated, and pasteurized, but some may also include additives (1).
Juice concentrates are sold at room temperature or frozen and meant to be diluted in filtered water before consumption (1, 2).
To make juice concentrate, whole fruits are thoroughly washed, scrubbed, and crushed or blended to produce a pulp. Most of the water content is then extracted and evaporated (1).
Because the fruit’s natural flavor may become diluted as a result, many companies use additives like flavor packs, which are artificial compounds made from fruit byproducts (1).
What’s more, sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are frequently added to fruit juice concentrates, while sodium may be added to vegetable juice blends. Artificial colors and aromas may be added as well (1).
Some concentrates are also treated to remove harmful microbes, thereby enhancing shelf life (1).
Concentrates made from 100% fruit are the healthiest option, as they pack the most nutrients and are only sweetened with natural fruit sugars — not added sugar. However, they may still harbor additives.
In addition, the pomegranate juice concentrate has been lately investigated for its antioxidant qualities. In fact, it has about three times more antioxidants than red wine or green tea.
May promote skin health
Many juice concentrates are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may promote skin health and slow the effects of skin aging.
For example, the beta carotene in carrots and tomatoes has been shown to reduce skin inflammation (5, 7, 12, 13).
Concentrated fruit cocktail, punch, or beverage
Products sold as concentrated fruit cocktail, punch, or beverage are made from a blend of juices.
These often include added flavors or sweeteners to compensate for a lack of whole fruit.
Again, reading nutrition labels is key. If the first ingredient is an added sugar, such as HFCS, cane sugar, or fructose syrup, you may want to steer clear of this product.
Powdered juice concentrates are dehydrated by methods like spray- and freeze-drying. This removes all of the water content and allows these products to take up less space (1).
Many studies show that concentrated powders of mixed fruits and vegetables are associated with decreased markers of inflammation and increased antioxidant levels (3).
While inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Thus, anti-inflammatory compounds found in foods like some juice concentrates may help prevent this condition (4).
Keep in mind that many powdered juice concentrates pack added sugar, so you’ll want to read labels carefully.
Orange, pineapple, and apple juice products — including concentrates — are increasingly popular, with orange juice accounting for over 41% of the global fruit juice market (1).
Concentrates can be appealing because they’re cheap and easy to store. They may offer several health benefits, too.
Pomegranate Health Benefits Are INSANE | Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
FAQ
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