Is Patanjali Amla Juice Pure? A Critical Examination

December 1, 2025 •

5 min read

In 2017, a batch of Patanjali Amla Juice was found "unfit for consumption" by a laboratory in Kolkata, leading to a temporary ban from army canteens. This incident sparked widespread public debate and raised crucial questions about the purity and quality of Patanjali Amla juice and other Ayurvedic products.

Quick Summary

This article provides a deep dive into the purity and quality concerns surrounding Patanjali Amla Juice, reviewing past test failures, company responses, and the regulatory landscape for Ayurvedic products. It helps consumers understand the controversies and make informed choices.

Key Points

Quality Test Failures: In 2017, specific batches of Patanjali Amla juice failed quality tests for having a low pH level, an indicator of potential issues.
Regulatory Defense: Patanjali has argued that its amla juice is an Ayurvedic medicine, not a food product, and should be governed by the Ministry of AYUSH rather than FSSAI.
Consumer Confusion: This regulatory ambiguity can confuse consumers, who perceive the product as a health drink while it is regulated as medicine.
Assess Purity: To judge purity, consumers should check for simple ingredient lists, presence of natural sediment, and lack of synthetic additives.
Market Comparison: Compared to competitors like Dabur or Baidyanath, Patanjali has a more publicized history of product quality issues based on past test reports.
Informed Choice: Choosing a pure amla juice requires careful consideration of brand reputation, regulatory history, and ingredient transparency.
Regulatory Oversight: Increased scrutiny and consumer reporting tools from FSSAI are helping to enforce higher standards for health products.

Understanding the Controversy Around Patanjali Amla Juice Purity

The question of whether Patanjali Amla juice pure is complex, rooted in past events and ongoing debates about food and medicine regulation in India. The primary controversy stems from a 2017 incident where a batch of the juice was flagged for failing quality tests, specifically for having a low pH value. A low pH level can be a sign of poor quality control and potential degradation, leading to acidity and other medical complications for consumers.

Timeline of Events and Findings

April 2017: The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) of the armed forces suspended sales of a specific batch of Patanjali Amla Juice after it failed quality tests conducted at the West Bengal Public Health Laboratory.
April 2017: In response, Patanjali defended its product, claiming that its amla juice is an Ayurvedic medicine and therefore falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of AYUSH, not the food regulator (FSSAI). The company asserted its product was safe for consumption.
May 2017: A subsequent Right to Information (RTI) query revealed that Patanjali's Divya Amla Juice and Shivlingi Beej also failed quality standards in tests conducted by Uttarakhand's Ayurveda and Unani Office. The amla juice was again cited for having less than the prescribed pH value.
2017-2025: Despite these past issues, Patanjali continued to market its amla juice, emphasizing its natural composition and health benefits, as seen on its product pages and by third-party retailers. Consumers have continued to purchase the product, with many online reviews highlighting its benefits for digestion and immunity.

Patanjali's Defense: Ayurvedic Medicine vs. Food Product

A key part of Patanjali's defense in 2017 was the classification of its amla juice as an Ayurvedic medicine, not a food product. This distinction is critical because it means the product is subject to different regulatory standards and testing protocols. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) governs food products, the Ministry of AYUSH oversees Ayurvedic medicines. This dual regulatory system created a gray area that Patanjali used to justify its position, arguing that FSSAI standards were not applicable.

The Consumer's Dilemma

For the average consumer, this regulatory complexity creates uncertainty. The product is sold as a health drink, often alongside conventional fruit juices, but is regulated as a medicine. This can be confusing, making it difficult for buyers to know which standards apply and what level of purity to expect. The discrepancy highlights the need for clearer labeling and communication from both the company and regulatory bodies.

Comparison: Patanjali Amla Juice vs. Market Competitors

To provide context, it is helpful to compare Patanjali's product to others in the market. Below is a comparison table that highlights key factors potential consumers might consider.


Feature	Patanjali Amla Juice	Dabur Amla Juice	Baidyanath Amla Juice
Manufacturing Philosophy	Ayurvedic, focusing on traditional methods	Blend of traditional Ayurvedic and modern processing	Ayurvedic, focusing on natural ingredients
Purity Claims	Claims 100% pure amla, free from artificial additives	Uses organic amla, emphasizing natural and healthy ingredients	Natural and organic, focusing on herbal components
Regulatory Issues	Failed quality tests in 2017 for low pH and foreign matter	No significant public scandals regarding product quality	Generally considered a reliable brand in the Ayurvedic market
Target Audience	Health-conscious consumers interested in Ayurvedic benefits	General consumers seeking a health beverage	Traditional Ayurvedic medicine users

How to Assess the Purity of Amla Juice

When evaluating any amla juice, including Patanjali's, consumers can look for several indicators of purity:

Ingredient List: A pure amla juice should have a simple ingredient list, ideally just amla fruit extract or cold-pressed juice. The presence of added sugars, artificial colors, or excessive preservatives can indicate a lower quality product. While sodium benzoate is a common preservative, its presence should be balanced against other indicators of quality.
Sedimentation: Natural amla juice often contains sediment from fruit fiber. While Patanjali mentions this, excessive or unusual foreign matter is a red flag.
pH Level: As highlighted by the 2017 test failure, an improperly low pH value can be a sign of a compromised product. While consumers can't easily test this at home, it emphasizes the importance of reliable regulatory oversight.
Manufacturing Process: The process used to extract the juice can affect its nutritional value. Cold-pressed methods generally retain more nutrients than heat-processed alternatives.
Third-Party Certification: Look for certifications or stamps from reputable third-party organizations that verify the product's quality and manufacturing practices.

The Role of Regulatory Bodies

Since the 2017 incidents, regulatory scrutiny has increased. The FSSAI now includes provisions that empower consumers to report misleading claims, and regulations concerning nutraceuticals and health supplements are being revised. This means that claims of purity and quality are more closely monitored. Consumers can use this to their advantage by reporting any suspicious products or misleading advertisements.

Conclusion: A Nuanced Answer

Determining if Patanjali Amla juice is pure requires a nuanced perspective. While the company claims its product is made from 100% natural amla and is free from synthetic additives, past regulatory issues and lab failures for specific batches of the product cannot be ignored. The company’s defense of regulatory classification adds another layer of complexity. For a consumer seeking pure amla juice, it is best to be vigilant: check the ingredient list for unnecessary additives, look for reputable third-party certifications, and remain aware of the potential for quality variances. The ultimate decision rests on balancing the company's stated claims with its regulatory track record and the standards of the Ayurvedic industry.

Resources

Navigating the Amla Juice Market Safely

To ensure you are getting a pure and high-quality product, consider these actions:

Read Customer Reviews: Examine both positive and negative reviews from different retailers to get a balanced perspective.
Consult an Expert: If you are unsure, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or a nutritionist for advice on selecting a brand that fits your health needs.
Compare Ingredients: Always read the ingredients list and nutritional information carefully. Compare different brands side-by-side to identify the purest option.
Stay Informed on Regulations: Keep an eye on updates from regulatory bodies like the FSSAI and the Ministry of AYUSH regarding guidelines for health drinks and Ayurvedic products.

Following these steps will help you move beyond the headlines and make a more informed decision about whether Patanjali Amla juice is the right choice for your wellness journey.

Disclaimer:

Information is for general knowledge, should not be taken as medical advice, and should consult with a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

A specific batch of Patanjali Amla Juice was found unfit for consumption in 2017 due to a low pH value, indicating potential issues with quality and stability. The test was conducted by the West Bengal Public Health Laboratory.

Patanjali claimed its amla juice was an Ayurvedic medicinal product, not a food item, and therefore not subject to the FSSAI's food quality standards but rather the Ministry of AYUSH's regulations.

To identify a pure amla juice, look for a simple ingredient list with minimal or no additives. Natural amla juice may have sediment from the fruit pulp. The manufacturing process, like cold-pressing, can also indicate higher quality.

Patanjali markets its amla juice as safe and pure, but the decision to consume it depends on personal comfort with the brand's history and the regulatory ambiguities highlighted by past incidents. For most people, consuming this type of product should not cause issues, but consultation with a doctor is recommended for specific health concerns.

Ayurvedic products are regulated under the Ministry of AYUSH and are treated as traditional medicines, while food products fall under the FSSAI's jurisdiction. This can lead to different standards for testing and quality control.

Excessive consumption of amla juice, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or specific health conditions, can potentially cause side effects such as acidity, digestive upset, or dehydration due to its acidic and diuretic nature. Consulting a doctor is advisable.

When purchasing amla juice, look for a '100% pure' or 'cold-pressed' claim, a simple ingredient list without excessive sugar or artificial additives, and certifications from relevant regulatory bodies.