Can You Get Frozen Juice on WIC? A Guide to Approved Concentrates

According to the USDA, frozen juice concentrate is an authorized food type for the WIC program, but this eligibility comes with strict rules. To successfully use your benefits, it's crucial to understand the specific requirements regarding juice concentration, container size, and fortification when asking, "Can you get frozen juice on WIC?"

Quick Summary

WIC participants can purchase frozen concentrated juice, but only specific types, flavors, and can sizes are approved. Rules vary by state, so always check your local authorized product list.

Key Points

• Frozen Concentrate Eligibility: WIC does approve specific brands and types of frozen 100% juice concentrate, typically in 11.5 or 12-ounce cans.

• Check Your State's List: Eligibility rules for flavors, brands, and container sizes vary by state; always check your local Authorized Product List or WIC shopping app.

• Look for 100% Juice: Only products labeled as 100% fruit or vegetable juice are allowed, and they must be fortified with vitamin C and contain no added sugars.

• Scan the Barcode: Using your state's WIC app to scan product barcodes is the most reliable way to confirm eligibility before purchasing.

• No Organic or Cocktails: Most WIC programs prohibit the purchase of organic juices, juice cocktails, or juice drinks.

• Juice vs. Whole Fruit: WIC encourages participants to choose whole fruits and vegetables over juice, which is why juice allowances have been reduced.

What Kinds of Frozen Juice Are WIC-Approved?

The federal WIC program allows for the purchase of juice, including frozen concentrate, to provide participants with vitamin C. However, WIC benefits are strictly limited to certain products that meet specific nutritional criteria. This helps ensure participants receive the most beneficial nutrients without unnecessary additives like sugar. For frozen juice concentrate, the rules are very specific:

• 100% Juice: The product must be labeled as 100% fruit or vegetable juice. Juice drinks, cocktails, or beverages are not allowed.
• Fortified with Vitamin C: The juice must contain a specific amount of Vitamin C, typically at least 72 milligrams per 8 fluid ounces.
• Unsweetened: No added sugars or artificial sweeteners are permitted.
• Specific Can Sizes: Most states authorize specific sizes of frozen concentrate, such as 11.5 or 12-ounce cans. Some states, like Texas, also offer a 16-ounce option for children.
• Specific Flavors: The allowable flavors can vary by state and are often restricted to common varieties like apple, orange, grape, or grapefruit.
• No Organic Juices: Many state WIC programs do not cover organic juice products, even if they are 100% juice and otherwise compliant.

State-by-State Variations for Frozen Juice

It is critical to remember that while the federal government sets the broad guidelines, individual state WIC programs have their own Authorized Product Lists (APLs). This means that a brand or flavor of frozen juice approved in one state might not be approved in another. To avoid issues at the checkout, always consult your state's specific list. Here's what you can do:

• Use a WIC App: Many states offer a WIC shopping app that allows you to scan product barcodes to see if they are approved.
• Review Shopping Guides: Look for your state's WIC shopping guide, often available at local clinics, online, or through a state health department website.
• Check Shelf Tags: Some stores place WIC labels on the shelf to indicate which products are eligible, but it is always best to double-check with your official guide.

For example, while the USDA permits frozen juice, a specific state may limit it to just orange and apple juice concentrate in 12-ounce cans, while another allows a wider variety of flavors and sizes. Always defer to your local program's rules.

How to Successfully Purchase WIC-Approved Frozen Juice

1. Understand Your Benefits: Your WIC food balance will specify the total amount of juice you can purchase. For concentrate, this is typically measured by the final reconstituted volume, not the size of the can itself. A typical 12-ounce can makes 48 ounces of juice when water is added.
2. Verify the Product: Before placing the item in your cart, confirm it is 100% juice, vitamin C fortified, and matches an approved can size and flavor on your state's list. Avoid juice drinks or products with added sugar.
3. Use the WIC App: If you have any doubt, use your state's official WIC app to scan the barcode. This is the most reliable method for confirmation.
4. Shop at an Authorized Store: WIC benefits can only be redeemed at stores that are authorized by your state's WIC program.

Frozen Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Drink Juice: A Comparison

Feature	Frozen Concentrate (WIC-Approved)	Ready-to-Drink Juice (WIC-Approved)
Container Size	11.5 or 12 oz cans (reconstitutes to a larger volume)	48 or 64 oz cartons or bottles
Convenience	Requires mixing with water, but offers more servings per purchase	Ready-to-drink, no preparation needed
Storage	Small and compact, takes up little freezer space	Larger, requires refrigeration or significant pantry space for shelf-stable options
Cost	Often more cost-effective per serving	Generally higher cost per serving
Availability	Available in freezer aisle; requires confirmation of WIC eligibility by state	Available in refrigerated or shelf-stable aisles; requires confirmation of WIC eligibility by state

Conclusion

Yes, you can get frozen juice on WIC, but only specific types of concentrate in designated sizes are approved. While the federal government allows for it, state-level regulations, authorized flavors, and container sizes can vary significantly. The most important steps to ensure a successful WIC purchase are to verify the product is 100% juice, fortified with vitamin C, and to consult your local WIC program's Authorized Product List or mobile app before you shop. By doing so, you can effectively utilize your benefits for this nutritious food item.

Understanding WIC Juice

For more information on the WIC program and eligible foods, refer to the official USDA website, which outlines the regulatory requirements for food packages, including juice and frozen concentrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size frozen juice concentrate is typically WIC-approved?

Most WIC programs approve frozen juice concentrate in 11.5 or 12-ounce cans. Some states may also approve a larger 16-ounce size for children. Always verify with your state's specific WIC shopping guide.

Can I buy any flavor of frozen juice concentrate with WIC?

No, WIC approval is often limited to specific, common flavors such as apple, orange, and grape. Always check your state's Authorized Product List to see which flavors are eligible for your benefits.

Are organic frozen juices covered by WIC?

In most cases, organic juice products are not allowed by WIC. The program typically restricts purchases to non-organic, store-brand, or specific national brands that meet federal and state requirements.

How do I know if a specific brand of frozen concentrate is WIC-eligible?

The most accurate way to check a specific brand, like Old Orchard, is to consult your state's WIC mobile app or shopping guide. Eligibility can vary significantly from state to state.

Why does WIC offer juice concentrate instead of ready-to-drink juice?

WIC offers concentrate as an option because it is often more cost-effective and space-efficient than bottled juice. A small can of concentrate yields a larger volume of juice when mixed with water.

Can I buy frozen juice cocktails or fruit punch with my WIC card?

No, juice drinks, cocktails, and fruit punches are not WIC-eligible because they are not 100% juice and often contain added sugars. Only products labeled as 100% juice are approved.

What is the best way to check if a product is WIC-eligible while shopping?

The most recommended method is to use your state's official WIC mobile app to scan the product's barcode. Alternatively, you can use a printed shopping guide from your clinic or check for WIC labels on store shelves.