Unpacking the 'Real Fruit' Claim
Juice Burst promotes its use of 'real fruit'. Their juices are made with fruit juice from concentrate, a common practice in the beverage industry. This process involves extracting water from the fruit juice, concentrating it, and then rehydrating it. This does mean the drink is derived from real fruit, but it's not the same as freshly squeezed juice.
What is 'From Concentrate'?
'From concentrate' means the raw fruit juice was processed to remove most of its water. This makes it more efficient and cost-effective to transport and store. Later, when the product is manufactured, the water is added back in, along with other ingredients. While the nutritional content of the original fruit can be partially preserved, some vitamins and natural compounds can be lost during the process. The company compensates for this by adding other ingredients to enhance flavor and stability.
A Deep Dive into Juice Burst Ingredients
The ingredient list for various Juice Burst flavours provides a clearer picture of their composition. Most bottles contain a blend of fruit juices from concentrate, water, natural flavourings, and other additives.
Fruit Content Variability
The amount and type of fruit juice from concentrate can vary significantly between different Juice Burst flavours. For instance, a raspberry lemonade might contain a mix of white grape, apple, lemon, and a small percentage of raspberry concentrate. In contrast, a pure orange juice flavour may have a much higher percentage of orange juice from concentrate. This variation means the 'real fruit' experience is not uniform across all products.
The Role of Sweeteners
Many Juice Burst varieties, particularly those advertised as 'no added sugar,' use sweeteners to achieve their desired taste. Steviol glycosides, derived from the Stevia plant, are a common choice. This means while they avoid added sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, the sweetness is still artificially enhanced. The use of these sweeteners aligns with their 'no added nonsense' marketing, focusing on avoiding artificial colours and flavours alongside sugar.
Are Juice Burst Drinks Healthy?
Assessing the healthiness of Juice Burst involves considering several factors beyond just the 'real fruit' claim. The company states that their drinks are 'healthy' and that each bottle counts as one of your five-a-day. However, fruit juices, even without added sugar, are a concentrated source of naturally occurring sugars. The lack of fibre in juice, compared to whole fruit, means these sugars are absorbed more quickly by the body. This can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which is a consideration for those managing sugar intake.
Comparison: Juice Burst vs. Fresh Juice
| Feature | Juice Burst (From Concentrate) | Freshly Squeezed Juice |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Uses fruit juice concentrate, water, and other additives. | Made directly from whole, fresh fruit. |
| Nutritional Profile | Contains natural sugars from fruit. Some nutrients might be lost during processing. Often uses sweeteners. | High in natural sugars, but also rich in vitamins, minerals, and often some fibre. |
| Added Ingredients | Often includes stabilisers, natural flavourings, and sweeteners like Steviol glycosides. | Typically contains no added ingredients. |
| Convenience | Long shelf life, easy to transport and store. | Shorter shelf life, requires immediate consumption or refrigeration. |
| Taste | Consistent, standardised flavour profile across batches. | Taste can vary based on the ripeness and type of fruit used. |
| Sugar | No added sugar in many varieties, but contains naturally occurring sugars. | Contains only naturally occurring sugars from the fruit itself. |
The Juice Burst Conclusion
Juice Burst is made with real fruit, specifically with fruit juice from concentrate. The company's transparency about using 'fruit juice from concentrate' on its ingredient lists confirms this. For consumers, this means the drinks are not equivalent to freshly squeezed juice in terms of processing or nutritional benefits like fibre. The 'no added sugar' varieties are a healthier option than many sugary soft drinks, but they still contain natural fruit sugars and often use artificial sweeteners. Ultimately, Juice Burst delivers on its flavour and convenience promise, but understanding its composition helps make more informed dietary choices.
For more information on general health and nutritional guidelines for fruit juices, you can consult reliable sources like the NHS website in the UK or the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the US. The key is moderation and balance, viewing these juices as a part of a varied diet.
Beyond the Bottle: An Authoritative Link
The World Health Organization offers valuable dietary advice on the nutritional differences between fruit juice and whole fruit. [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet]
