How much fruit juice is consumed?
A study published in August 2015 (1) assessed that the global average intake was 38 ml per day of 100% Pure Fruit and Vegetable juice. The highest intake was in New Zealand at 197 ml per day.
(1) Singh GM, Micha R, Khatibzadeh S, Shi P, Lim S, Andrews KG, et al. (2015) Global, Regional, and National Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Fruit Juices, and Milk: A Systematic Assessment of Beverage Intake in 187 Countries. PLoSONE10(8): e0124845.doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0124845
In 2017 the annual consumption of fruit juice was reported to be 19.2 bn. litres. The annual consumption of vegetable juice was 1.6 bn. litres. (Source. Global Data)
What are the nutrition and health benefits of consuming fruit and vegetable juices?
Consumption of fruit and vegetables play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle It is generally accepted that there is a lack of fruit and vegetable consumption. 100% pure juice is a convenient way to consume one of the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetable per day as recommended by the WHO (http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/fruit/en/) and many National governments. Juice compositions are similar to that of fruit and vegetables and contain most substances found in the original. Vitamin C is found in significant quantities in a range of juices, which is necessary for the body. In addition juices may contain a variety of essential micronutrients and phytochemicals such as polyphenols. Juices are naturally low in sodium, cholesterol and fats which can have a negative impact in the diet.
This is explained further in the IFU document “Fruit Juice nutrition and health, An IFU Scientific Review" which is available under the Juicypedia section of the website.
The Juicepedia section of the website has useful links to other websites such as Fruit Juice Matters (Europe) and Sip Smarter (USA) which contain lots of useful nutrition facts about juices.
Why do juices contain sugar?
100% pure juices will only contain natural sugar that has come from the fruit. No sugar can be added.
What is the difference between a juice and juice drink / beverage?
Juices are defined in the Codex General Standard for Fruit Juices and Nectars (CODEX STAN 247-2005). Products containing some juice and other substances are covered by specific national regulations or standards
What is a smoothie?
They are usually mixtures of juices and purees making them thicker than regualr juice. In this case they are 100% juices. Smoothies are not defined in the Codex General Standard for Fruit Juices and Nectars (CODEX STAN 247-2005).
Some smoothies may contain other ingredients such as dairy products. These will be declared on the label
Why are sugars and sweeteners added to nectars?
Nectars are defined in the Codex General Standard for Fruit Juices and Nectars (CODEX STAN 247-2005). Some juices (e.g. Blackcurrant, sour cherry etc.) are not palatable in their natural state due to either high acidity or astringency. They can be sweetened slightly and sold as nectars
Are there international standards for juices?
The Codex General Standard for Fruit Juices and Nectars (CODEX STAN 247-2005) defines fruit juices, nectars and their related products, including product names, processing, min. brix values for juices from concentrate, processing aids and authenticity & quality test methods. Some IFU methods are also listed in this standard. Other Codex standards are also relevant such as labelling, contaminants additives, pesticide residues and hygiene.
Under the "Commissions & Meetings" section of the IFU website there is the "Legislation Information Centre" page which has links to the Codex documents as well as many national standards and regulations
The IFU has observer status at the Codex Alimentarius. It is the only NGO (non-governmental organisation) that can represent the international juice industry there.
What is the impact of juices on dental health
Juices are acidic and contain naturally occurring sugars. Moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet coupled with good dental hygiene, such as brushing teeth with a fluoridised toothpaste will help minimise any impact.
What is the impact of juices on obesity?
An extensive global study on juice consumption published in August 2015 (1) concluded that between 1990 and 2010 changes in juice consumption at the regional level were not statistically significant and showed little relationship with mean BMI (Body Mass Index)
(1) Singh GM, Micha R, Khatibzadeh S, Shi P, Lim S, Andrews KG, et al. (2015) Global, Regional, and National Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Fruit Juices, and Milk: A Systematic Assessment of Beverage Intake in 187 Countries. PLoSONE10(8): e0124845.doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0124845
Who is the IFU spokesperson?
Please contact John Collins (Executive Director) john@ifu-fruitjuice.com or call +44 7850 910989