FAQ

What is 100% fruit juice?

100% pure fruit juice is simply fruit, juiced.

Does 100% fruit juice contain added sugar?

No. As noted above, 100% pure fruit juice, either from concentrate or not from concentrate is simply fruit juiced. A 150ml portion of 100% pure fruit juice counts as one of your five-a-day, which is the minimum daily intake of fruit and vegetables that we should be consuming as recommended by health professionals in the UK.

Is fruit juice good for me?

Yes.  Fruit juice can be drunk as part of a healthy, balanced diet.  It is a good source of vitamin C, potassium and folates, amongst other nutrients.  Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, potassium and folates help with cell and muscle tissue repair.  This is why a 150ml glass of fruit juice counts as one of your five-a-day.

Dietary evidence has shown that individuals who consume fruit juice regularly, in the recommended portion size, have a greater intake of fruit and vegetables than individuals who do not (National Diet and Nutrition Survey, May 2014, (please see: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-diet-and-nutrition-survey-results-from-years-1-to-4-combined-of-the-rolling-programme-for-2008-and-2009-to-2011-and-2012). 

Because of its vitamin C content, consuming fruit juice as part of a meal can help to increase the absorption of iron-rich foods like (some) fortified cereals, beans, pulses, spinach and kale.

What are free sugars?

There are different types of sugar and sugars are classified in a number of different ways.  According to the World Health Organisation; "Free sugars are all sugars added to food and drinks by the manufacturer, cook or consumer as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates." (Please see: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs394/en).

What is the appropriate portion size? 

The Department of Health recommends a portion size of 150ml 100% pure fruit juice a day.  As noted above, this counts as one of your recommended five-a-day.  But consuming more than 150ml will not count further towards this recommended daily amount.

What about fruit juice and dental health?

According to the British Dental Health Foundation, it is better to consume 100% pure fruit juice as part of a meal.  All acidic or sugary foods can cause tooth decay, so it is important to consume them appropriately.  Please see www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/caring-for-teeth/diet 

What about children's consumption of fruit juice?

100% pure fruit juice can be consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet.  Just 7% of girls aged 11-18 and 10% of boys aged 11-18 are getting their recommended five-a-day (see the NDNS reference above).  

Children can begin to consume small amounts of 100% pure fruit juice from the age of six months as part of a meal.  At a young age, the amount given should be small and diluted, one part juice to ten parts water to maintain good dental health (www.dentalhealth.org)