"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

With so many mixed messages about food and nutrition and lots of conflicting advice, selecting healthy foods for yourself and your family can be challenging. At Fruit Juice Facts, our information is based on sound science so you can be confident that it is factual and accurate.

Check out these recent headlines:

• Drinking 100 Percent Fruit Juice Is Associated With Improved Diet Quality In Children
• "Teens Who Drink Juice Have Healthier Diets, Eat More Whole Fruit"
• "Drinking 100% Fruit Juice is Associated with Lower Risk of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome"
• "A Scientific Literature Review: Fruit juice consumption not related to overweight in children"

Studies show that drinking 100% fruit juice is linked to a healthier diet overall.

Experts around the globe recommend increased consumption of fruits and vegetables to promote health and prevent disease. Studies confirm that drinking 100% fruit juice can actually boost intake of whole fruit and is linked to other healthy behaviors

The scientific literature reveals that appropriate consumption of 100% juice is associated with a more nutritious diet overall. Data from publicly available national datasets on food consumption supports the fact that children who include 100% fruit juice in their diet have higher quality diets. An analysis published in 2008 reported the following when comparing 100% juice drinkers to nonconsumers aged 2- to 11-years old:

• Presents the latest scientific research regarding 100% juice consumption and weight status in children and teens
• Explores innovative opportunities to introduce 100% juice into school foodservice programs
• Identifies ways to maximize beverage purchasing power and identify cost effective procurement strategies
• Presents information on the 100% juice products offered through the USDA Commodities Program

Similar findings were reported when looking at teens as well.

Sources: 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.

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. Vol. 24, No. 4, March/April 2010, PP. 231-237

The majority of research shows that 100% juice consumption is not associated with being overweight.

The current scientific evidence strongly maintains the nutritional benefits of 100% juice and does not support a relationship between overweight and juice consumption.

A comprehensive literature review published in 2008 looked at the relationship between 100% juice consumption and weight in both children and adolescents. After assessing the totality of the available literature, a clear picture emerged: More than two-thirds of the studies found no association between 100% juice intake and weight - even when juice was consumed in amounts exceeding current recommendations. According to the authors:

Sources: 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, 315-354

• Read a summary of the research related to 100% juice consumption and body weight.