"Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the fruit group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed."

- USDA's MyPlate Food Guidance System

 

 

Does fruit juice contribute to obesity?
One hundred percent juices contain no added sugars, and current scientific evidence does not support a relationship between being overweight and juice consumption. ^{1 2}  Further, scientific evidence strongly maintains the nutritional benefits of 100% juice.  In fact, studies show that drinking 100% fruit juice is associated with a more nutritious diet overall, including reduced intake of dietary fat, saturated fat and added sugars. ^{3 4}  It is important however, for everyone to eat a variety of foods in moderation for proper nutrition.

How much juice should children drink?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has established recommended maximum daily consumption levels of 100% fruit juice for children.  The AAP suggests 4 to 6 ounces of 100% fruit juice per day for children ages one to six-years  old and up to 12 ounces per day for children ages 7 to 18  years of age.  The juice industry endorses these recommendations. 

Is consuming fruit juice the same as eating fruit?
One-hundred-percent fruit juice is a nutritious and beneficial part of a healthy diet and may be consumed in the place of whole fruits as recommended by the USDA’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans .  Fruit juices provide valuable nutrients, including Vitamin C, folate and potassium, and many are fortified with additional nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D.  Whole fruits, however, are higher in fiber than fruit juices.

How much juice is healthy for adults to consume?
For adults, the US Department of Agriculture, in its 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,  recommends a daily serving of up to 2 cups of fruit daily and up to 1.5 cups daily for children.  In its MyPlate dietary guidelines, the USDA states that any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the Fruit Group.  A one-half-cup serving (4 ounces) of 100% fruit juice provides the equivalent of one-half cup of fruit to help meet USDA’s daily serving recommendation.

1) O’Neil C, et al. A Review of the Relationship Between 100% Fruit Juice Consumption and Weight in Children and Adolescents. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2008. Vol. 2, No. 4, PP. 315-354.

2) Pereira M, Fulgoni V. Consumption of 100% Fruit Juice and Risk of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. J Am Coll Nutr, June 15, 2011. Vol. 29, No. 6. PP. 625-629

3) Nicklas T, O’Neil C, Kleinman R. Association Between 100% Juice Consumption and Nutrient Intake and Weight of Children Aged 2 to 11 Years. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(6):557-565.

4) Nicklas TA, O’Neil CE, Kleinman R. The Relationship Among 100% Juice Consumption, Nutrient Intake, and Weight of Adolescents 12 to 18 Years. Am J Health Prom. March/April 2010, Vol. 24, No. 4, PP. 231-237