What Is Juice Concentrate, and Is It Healthy?

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, concentrate is more heavily processed than raw fruit juice, leaving many people to wonder whether it’s good or bad for their health.

This article tells you everything you need to know about juice concentrates, including whether they’re healthy.

What is juice concentrate?

Juice concentrate is most commonly made by evaporating the water from crushed or juiced fruits. Additives are often used to boost flavor and prevent spoiling.

Types of juice concentrate

There are several types of concentrate, some healthier than others.

100% fruit concentrate

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.

If you’re concerned about flavorings or preservatives, be sure to check the ingredient list.

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 label 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

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.

Many studies show that concentrated powders of mixed fruits and vegetables are associated with decreased markers of inflammation and increased antioxidant levels.

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.

Keep in mind that many powdered juice concentrates pack added sugar, so you’ll want to read labels carefully.

Potential health benefits

Orange, pineapple, and apple juice products including concentrates are increasingly popular, with orange juice accounting for over 41% of the global fruit juice market.

Concentrates can be appealing because they’re cheap and easy to store. They may offer several health benefits, too.

Juice concentrate may offer nutrients that reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. It’s also more affordable than packaged juices and doesn’t spoil as easily.

Potential downsides

Juice and juice concentrates may not be best for everyone.

Overall, they lack the fiber that whole fruit provides and can be loaded with added sugars.

Juice concentrates are lacking in fiber and sometimes loaded with added sugar and preservatives or flavorings. If possible, eat whole fruits and veggies instead.

Conclusion:

Juice concentrates are cheap alternatives to juice that dont spoil easily and may provide some vitamins and antioxidants.

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

If you buy juice concentrates, look for ones made from 100% juice. However,whole fruit is always a healthier option.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/juice-concentrate?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=authoritynutrition&utm_content=2019-07-26&apid=#bottom-line

https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/orange-fruit-juice-concentrate-16995245588.html