How to Know If the Fruit Juice You're Buying is Pasteurized

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approximately 98% of all juice sold in the U.S. is pasteurized. Knowing how to know if the fruit juice product you're buying is pasteurized is crucial for ensuring food safety, especially for vulnerable populations. This guide will help you understand the key indicators to look for when you're at the store.

Quick Summary

This article outlines several ways to determine if a fruit juice is pasteurized, including checking the product label for specific wording, observing its packaging and storage location, and understanding the different processing methods like heat pasteurization and HPP.

Key Points

Check for Explicit Labeling: The clearest indicator is a "Pasteurized" statement or, for unpasteurized products, a required FDA warning label.
Assess Packaging and Storage: Shelf-stable juices in boxes or cans are pasteurized, while refrigerated juices require a closer look at the label.
Consider the Point of Purchase: Juice from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and juice bars is often unpasteurized and may not carry a warning label when sold by the glass.
Note the Shelf Life: Unpasteurized juice has a very short shelf life (a few days) compared to the weeks or months of pasteurized juice.
Observe Appearance: Untreated juices may appear cloudier and have more sediment than their clearer, pasteurized counterparts.
Inquire When Unsure: If the label or location doesn't make it clear, don't hesitate to ask the vendor or contact the manufacturer to confirm if the juice has been treated.

Your Guide to Identifying Pasteurized Fruit Juice

For many consumers, the difference between pasteurized and unpasteurized juice is an afterthought. However, for those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and older adults, choosing pasteurized juice is a vital step in preventing foodborne illness. Pasteurization uses heat or high pressure to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, extending shelf life and ensuring safety. Unpasteurized juice carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination.

Reading the Label: The Most Direct Method

The most reliable way to tell if a fruit juice is pasteurized is by reading the product label. Many juices explicitly state their status.

Look for 'Pasteurized': The word 'pasteurized' is often clearly printed.
Check for the Warning Label: In the U.S., unpasteurized juices sold in packaged form require an FDA warning label. For details, see {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-juice-safety}. If you see this, the juice is untreated.
High-Pressure Processing (HPP): HPP is a non-thermal method using pressure to kill pathogens. These juices are safe and typically state "HPP" or mention high-pressure treatment.

Examining the Packaging and Storage Location

Packaging and storage provide clues.

Shelf-Stable Juices: Juices in unrefrigerated boxes, cans, or bottles are almost certainly pasteurized due to the extended shelf life from processing.
Refrigerated Juices: While most major brands are pasteurized, this section also contains unpasteurized, fresh-squeezed options. Check the label carefully; fresh-squeezed options may have a much shorter shelf life.
Concentrates: Found in the freezer aisle, concentrates are pasteurized before freezing.

Location of Purchase: Farmers' Markets vs. Grocery Stores

The source can indicate processing.

Farmers' Markets and Roadside Stands: Freshly squeezed juices from these vendors are likely unpasteurized. Asking the vendor is recommended.
Juice Bars and Cafés: Fresh-pressed juices here may not be pasteurized. Inquire with staff.
Commercial Grocery Stores: Most packaged juices are pasteurized, with specialty unpasteurized products clearly marked with a warning.

Pasteurization vs. Unpasteurized: A Quick Comparison


Feature	Pasteurized Juice	Unpasteurized Juice
Safety	High safety due to heat or pressure treatment that kills harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.	Higher risk of foodborne illness, especially for at-risk groups.
Shelf Life	Long shelf life, with some lasting for months or years if shelf-stable.	Very short shelf life, typically only a few days, and must be constantly refrigerated.
Flavor Profile	Can have a slightly "cooked" or subdued flavor due to heat exposure.	Often described as fresher, more vibrant, and closer to the original fruit flavor.
Nutritional Content	Retains most nutrients, but some heat-sensitive vitamins, like Vitamin C, may be slightly reduced.	Retains the highest level of heat-sensitive nutrients and enzymes.
Appearance	Generally clearer in appearance, as particles are often removed.	Can appear cloudier and contain more sediment.
Labeling	May be labeled as "pasteurized." Non-refrigerated types often don't explicitly state it.	Packaged products must carry a specific warning label in the U.S.

A Final Word on Making Safe Choices

Identifying pasteurized juice involves awareness and inspection. Checking the label is the most foolproof method due to warning label regulations for untreated juices. Packaging and storage offer additional clues; shelf-stable juices are treated, while refrigerated ones require closer examination. For juice from places like farmers' markets, always ask the vendor. These steps help you choose a product meeting your safety needs. For more information, refer to the {Link: FDA's official website https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-juice-safety}.

Conclusion

Being an informed consumer is crucial for food safety, especially with fruit juice. By checking for clear labeling, observing storage conditions, and understanding risks at different retail locations, you can easily determine if your juice is pasteurized. While unpasteurized juice offers a fresh taste, the added safety and extended shelf life of pasteurized products make them a safer choice, particularly for at-risk populations. Reading the label is a small step for better health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all juice in grocery stores is pasteurized. While the vast majority (around 98%) is pasteurized, specialty refrigerated juices, especially those labeled "fresh-squeezed" or "raw," may be unpasteurized and should carry a warning label.

In the U.S., packaged unpasteurized juices must display a warning. For the specific wording, refer to {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-juice-safety}.

No, "cold-pressed" refers to the extraction method and does not guarantee that the juice is unpasteurized. Cold-pressed juice can be sold raw, or it can be treated using High-Pressure Processing (HPP) or heat pasteurization.

Juices from juice bars or fresh-squeezed options at restaurants are often unpasteurized. If you're concerned, you should always ask the vendor directly about their processing methods, as these products may not carry a warning label.

Yes. Unpasteurized juice can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium, which can cause serious foodborne illnesses. The risk is highest for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

No. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth but does not kill harmful pathogens. Unpasteurized juice must be consumed quickly and kept cold, but it is not a substitute for proper pasteurization.

HPP is a form of 'cold pasteurization' that uses intense pressure instead of heat to kill pathogens. HPP juices are considered safe and will typically have an extended shelf life compared to raw juice.