Whether dining out or grabbing drinks on the street, the various fresh-squeezed juices sold in the market are gaining popularity for their perceived health benefits compared to other beverages. But is the "fresh-squeezed juice" consumers buy truly made from freshly squeezed fruit? Would you still drink it after learning the truth?
Revealed:
The 3 Little-Known Truths About Juice
1.Most "freshly squeezed" juices are reconstituted—costing $0.15 but sold for $3
An industry insider with years in the beverage business revealed to CCTV reporters that neither hotels nor large chain cafes offer genuine freshly squeezed juice. The so-called "freshly squeezed" juice is actually made from reconstituted concentrate mixed with a small amount of fresh fruit to create the appearance of freshness.
Investigations found that a 1000ml serving of "freshly squeezed" juice sold on the market costs at least 30 yuan, with some premium options exceeding 100 yuan. So how much does this juice made from concentrated juice actually cost? Industry insiders revealed that a serving of orange juice made from concentrated juice costs just over 1 yuan!
2. Juice contains significantly fewer nutrients than whole fruit
There's a substantial gap between the nutritional value of juice and whole fruit—never conflate the two. Juice cannot fully replace fresh fruit. When fruit is pressed into juice, the pulp and membranes are removed. This process drastically reduces vitamin C content, a nutrient you need to consume in ample amounts.For fruits naturally low in vitamins, like apples, this process strips away nearly all vitamin content.
3. Juices not pasteurized at high temperatures may be unsafe
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration has mandated warning labels on such juices.While these juices pose little risk to healthy adults, children, the elderly, and other immunocompromised individuals should avoid them. Harmful bacteria may not be eliminated in such juices. Juices sold in supermarkets are almost always pasteurized—except for freshly squeezed ones. However, this isn't always the case at farmers' markets or small producers. So be cautious and ask questions.
Investigation:
What Health Risks Do Blended Juices Pose?
Can these so-called "fresh-squeezed juices"—made from concentrated juice, flavorings, and colorants—truly match the nutrition and health benefits of fresh juice?
Whether in nutritional value or taste, juices processed from concentrated sources fall far short of genuine fresh-squeezed juice.Some small shops add dyes to match the color of fresh juice, but excessive dyes may affect health.
If these ingredients come from standardized manufacturers, the health impact is minimal.However, be aware that some beverage shops have poor hygiene standards, and staff may lack proper health certifications. Drinks prepared in such environments could pose potential health risks to consumers. Distinguishing Features: Here's a tip to tell fresh-squeezed juice from mixed juice: - Genuine fresh-squeezed juice tends to separate into layers after sitting for a while. - Fresh juice carries the natural aroma of fruit, while mixed juice often has an overly intense fragrance.High-quality fresh-squeezed juice should have a natural color, appear cloudy, contain abundant pulp, and tend to separate after sitting. Mixed juice, however, is clear, brightly colored, and rarely separates. Fresh-squeezed juice has a thicker consistency and a subtler sweetness. If a beverage tastes overly sweet, it may be mixed.
Additionally, nutrition experts offer four tips for distinguishing fresh-pressed from blended juice:
1. Observe the foam
Long-lasting foam indicates fresh-pressed juice, while quickly dissipating foam suggests a blended product.
2. Smell the aroma
Fresh-pressed juice emits a subtle, clean fragrance, whereas blended juice typically has an overpowering scent.
3. Observe the color
Freshly squeezed juice oxidizes easily, turning brown quickly, while blended juice retains its vibrant color without fading.
4. Taste it
Freshly squeezed juice isn't overly sweet; it often has a slight tartness or bitterness. Blended juice, in contrast, is usually very sweet.