Calorie Content by Juice Plus Product
When considering the question, "Does Juice Plus have calories?", it's crucial to distinguish between the company's various product lines. Juice Plus+ offers different formulations, including capsules, chewables, and protein shakes, all with distinct nutritional profiles and calorie counts. For those monitoring their intake, understanding these differences is key to making informed dietary choices. The calorie contribution of Juice Plus products is generally minimal for capsules and chewables but becomes more significant with the protein shakes.
Capsules (Fruit, Vegetable, Berry & Omega Blends)
For the Essentials Capsules, which are a cornerstone of the Juice Plus+ lineup, the calorie count is extremely low, and the energy content is negligible. This is because the capsules contain concentrated, dehydrated juice powders from fruits, vegetables, and berries, rather than the whole foods with their natural fiber and water content. While these contain concentrated micronutrients, they contribute very little to a person's total daily energy needs.
- Orchard Blend Capsules: 5 calories per two-capsule serving.
- Garden Blend Capsules: 5 calories per two-capsule serving.
- Vineyard Blend Capsules: 5 calories per two-capsule serving.
- Omega Blend Capsules: 15 calories per two-capsule serving.
Chewables (Orchard, Garden & Vineyard Blends)
Juice Plus+ also offers chewable versions of their blends, often marketed towards children or those who prefer not to take capsules. Because these contain additional ingredients like corn syrup and gelatin, they have a higher calorie and sugar content than the capsules.
- Orchard Blend Chewables: 15 calories per two-chewable serving.
- Garden Blend Chewables: 15 calories per two-chewable serving.
- Vineyard Blend Chewables: 15 calories per two-chewable serving.
Complete Shakes and Performance Products
In contrast to the capsules and chewables, the Complete Shakes are intended as meal replacement or supplemental protein drinks, and therefore contain a much higher calorie count from protein, carbohydrates, and some fats.
- Complete Shakes (Chocolate & Vanilla): 140 calories per serving.
- Perform Protein Shakes: 150 calories per serving.
Juice Plus Calorie Comparison
This table provides a quick overview of the differences in calorie content between the primary Juice Plus+ product types.
| Product Type | Example | Serving Size | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsules | Orchard Blend | 2 capsules | 5 kcal |
| Chewables | Orchard Blend | 2 chewables | 15 kcal |
| Protein Shake | Complete Shake | 1 scoop/packet | 140 kcal |
| Performance Shake | Perform Shake | 1 scoop | 150 kcal |
What Contributes to the Calories?
The small number of calories in the capsules comes from the trace carbohydrates present in the concentrated fruit and vegetable powders. The chewables are higher in calories because of added sugars from ingredients like corn syrup and evaporated cane juice. In the Complete and Perform shakes, the calories are a result of the macronutrient content, including plant-based protein and carbohydrates.
Juice Plus vs. Whole Fruits and Vegetables
It is important to remember that while Juice Plus products contain concentrated nutrients, they are not a substitute for eating whole fruits and vegetables. One of the key differences is the lack of dietary fiber in the capsules. Whole produce contains vital fiber, which plays a crucial role in gut health and satiety, and is largely absent in the powder form. For example, the McGill Office for Science and Society points out that a supplement simply cannot replace the complete nutritional profile of unprocessed foods.
Factors to Consider Beyond Calories
Beyond just the calorie count, several factors should be weighed when evaluating Juice Plus products:
- Added Nutrients: The capsules are fortified with added vitamins (A, C, E) to compensate for potential losses during processing.
- Cost vs. Whole Food: Critics argue that the cost of Juice Plus products is high compared to simply purchasing fresh produce, which offers a more complete nutritional package.
- Side Effects: Some users have reported minor gastrointestinal discomfort when first starting the supplements.
- Intended Use: The capsules and chewables are designed to supplement a diet, not replace whole foods, while the shakes are intended as a more substantial supplement or meal replacement.
Conclusion
Yes, Juice Plus products contain calories, but the amount depends entirely on the product line. The capsules and chewables provide minimal calories, primarily from carbohydrates and sugars. In contrast, the protein shakes offer a more substantial calorie count due to their higher macronutrient content, designed for nutritional support. While these products can supplement a diet, they should not be considered a substitute for consuming a wide variety of whole fruits and vegetables, which provide essential fiber and a broader spectrum of nutrients not found in the processed products. Individuals should evaluate their dietary needs and consult a health professional to determine if a supplement is appropriate for them.
