Concentrated juices have been used in the food industry for many years – not only in the production of beverages, but also in brewing, fruit processing and dietary supplements. Their technological advantages are obvious: durability, low volume, ease of transport. Many consumers and producers wonder whether concentrated juice is healthy. The answer is not black and white. It all depends on what raw material it comes from, how it has been processed and what we use it for. In this article, we will dispel the most common doubts.
Is juice made from concentrated juice healthy?
Let’s start with the definition – concentrated juice is juice that has first been dehydrated by evaporating a significant amount of water and then, just before consumption or during production, reconstituted by adding water.
The labels of such products often state that they contain 100% juice from concentrated juice, which may raise some controversy and doubts. Is it still pure fruit juice, or is it a processed fruit-like product?
In fact, juice from concentrate can be perfectly healthy if it meets a few basic conditions:
- it does not contain added sugar or glucose-fructose syrups,
- it has not been stripped of fibre and natural polyphenols,
- It is made from high-quality fruit.
The most common myth often repeated by consumers is that juice from concentrate is „nothing but chemicals”. Meanwhile, most concentrates available on the market are simply juice with reduced volume, without any additives – produced solely by physical evaporation of water.
What are the nutritional values of concentrated juice?
Juice concentration does indeed involve some losses, mainly of vitamins that are not heat-stable, such as vitamin C and some B vitamins. However, it is worth noting that most nutrients, such as:
- natural sugars (fructose, glucose),
- fruit acids (malic and citric),
- minerals (potassium, magnesium),
- flavonoids and anthocyanins (especially in dark fruit juices),
remain in the concentrate, albeit in slightly different proportions. In practice, this means that a good concentrated juice can be:
- comparable to NFC juice in terms of calorie content and natural sugar levels,
- slightly lower in vitamin C, but often with a more intense flavour and colour, which is of great importance in brewing and the alcohol industry, for example when fruit concentrates are used in vodka.
- easier to balance in terms of acidity and extract.
Is there sugar in concentrated juice?
Concentrated juices contain sugar, but this is natural sugar derived from fruit. The problem begins when technical sugar (e.g. sucrose) or cheaper substitutes such as glucose syrup or glucose-fructose syrup are added to the concentrate. That is why it is so important to read the ingredients. If you see the message: 100% juice and no additional ingredients – this is probably the product to choose.
How to choose a healthy concentrated juice?
Choosing a concentrated juice can be a very good decision, provided that you know what characteristics to look for. Here are some simple but effective tips to help you with this task.
Ingredients – the shorter, the better
The ingredients should consist of one word: “concentrated juice” or “fruit concentrate”. No added sugar, acidity regulators or flavourings.
The label “100% juice from concentrate”
This means that this is not a beverage, but a juice that complies with the EU definition and contains only natural ingredients.
Trusted manufacturer
It is worth choosing concentrates from companies that specialise in fruit processing rather than producing wholesale mixes “for everything”. The best solution is to find a manufacturer of fruit concentrates for alcohol.
Technical parameter analysis (for beer and beverage manufacturers)
The best concentrates are marked with: Brix, acidity, declaration of composition. These are important elements if you want to ensure product repeatability and safety.
Who should choose concentrated juices, and who should be cautious?
Concentrated juices have a wide range of applications not only in home cooking but also in industry. Below is a list that will help you assess whether this product is right for you or your customers.
Concentrated fruit juices are good for:
- physically active people who need a quick boost of energy from a natural source,
- breweries and beverage manufacturers due to their shelf life and consistency,
- people looking for a convenient source of fruit outside the season,
- conscious consumers who read labels and are not fooled by “sugar-free” claims on drinks containing sweeteners.
Who should be careful with concentrated fruit juices:
- people with diabetes or insulin resistance – even though the sugar comes from fruit, the amount can still be significant,
- children under 2 years of age – too much simple sugar is not recommended at this age,
- osoby na diecie ketogenicznej lub niskowęglowodanowej – koncentraty są z natury dość kaloryczne,
- people with food allergies, e.g. to apples, raspberries, blackcurrants and other fruits.
Tip
The concentrated juice is ideal as an ingredient in smoothies, lemonades, non-alcoholic drinks, functional beers and meat sauces. In small amounts, it can be part of a balanced diet.
Concentrated juices or healthy fruit concentrates have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the human body if they come from a good source, do not contain unnecessary additives and are used sensibly. They are ideal for brewing – they give full control over the process, intense flavour and the possibility of year-round production, which is why concentrated juices are considered to be the future of brewing. In the kitchen or in your diet – they can be added to meals, but it is worth remembering that they are a concentrated source of energy and sugars.
Conscious choices start with knowledge. Now that you know whether juice from concentrated juice is healthy, you can safely reach for this product – whether in a shop or as a fruit concentrate for beer and flavoured spirits.