Decoding the 'Simply' Label: 100% Juice vs. Juice Drinks
Many consumers are drawn to the Simply brand due to its transparent packaging and marketing that evokes a sense of naturalness and simplicity. The perception is that all Simply products are pure, 100% juice, similar to a freshly squeezed alternative. While the flagship Simply Orange juice does meet this expectation for being 100% pure squeezed orange juice, the broader Simply portfolio includes a variety of products with different compositions. The key to understanding what you're drinking is to read the ingredient list carefully, as not all carafes with the 'Simply' name contain only fruit juice.
The 100% Juice Category: Simply Orange and Apple
Simply offers several products that are genuinely 100% juice. These typically have straightforward ingredient lists that include only the juice of the named fruit, and they are marked as "not from concentrate".
- Simply Orange: The classic Simply Orange is 100% pure-squeezed, pasteurized orange juice. The ingredients are simply orange juice, with some variants containing added calcium and Vitamin D. Its production involves carefully selecting oranges, squeezing them, and gently pasteurizing the juice to ensure safety while preserving taste.
- Simply Apple: Similar to its orange counterpart, Simply Apple is made with 100% apple juice that is never from concentrate and never sweetened. The result is a pure, crisp apple juice taste.
The Juice Blends and Drinks Category: Beyond 100%
Beyond the pure juices, Simply also sells a wide range of beverages labeled as "juice blends" or "drinks." These are not 100% juice and contain a mix of ingredients, including water and added sugar.
- Simply Lemonade and Limeade: These products, along with their flavored varieties (like Lemonade with Raspberry or Blueberry), contain a mix of water, cane sugar, lemon or lime juice, and natural flavors. The inclusion of water and added sugar means they are not 100% juice.
- Simply Fruit Punch: This beverage is another example of a blend. Ingredients include filtered water, cane sugar, and a variety of fruit juices and purees, such as pineapple, cherry, and cranberry.
- Simply Watermelon: Despite its name, this is a juice drink, not pure watermelon juice. Its ingredient list includes filtered water, watermelon juice, cane sugar, lemon juice, cherry juice, and natural flavors.
The Role of "Not from Concentrate"
The phrase "Not from Concentrate" is a key part of the Simply brand's messaging, but it doesn't automatically mean the product is 100% juice. This claim means that the liquid you are drinking has not had its water removed to be processed into a frozen concentrate and then re-added later. Instead, the fruit juice is freshly squeezed and then pasteurized. For products like Simply Lemonade, however, the "not from concentrate" phrase applies to the base juices used (like lemon juice), but the final beverage is a mix of other ingredients.
Comparison Table: 100% Juice vs. Juice Drink
| Feature | Simply Orange (100% Juice) | Simply Lemonade (Juice Drink) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | 100% pure orange juice | Filtered water, cane sugar, lemon juice |
| Added Sugar | No added sugar | Contains cane sugar |
| Water Added | No water added | Contains pure filtered water |
| Taste Profile | Primarily fresh orange taste | Sweet and tart lemonade taste |
| Processing | Pure-squeezed, gently pasteurized | Blend of various ingredients |
Understanding Natural Flavors
The ingredient list for many Simply products also mentions "Natural Flavors". While the word "natural" sounds reassuring, it's important to understand what this means. Natural flavors are complex mixtures of chemical compounds derived from a natural source (like a fruit or spice) and are used to provide a consistent flavor profile. For orange juice, this can include oils and essences extracted from the orange fruit during squeezing and then blended back in to maintain a uniform taste throughout the year. For juice drinks, it can be a combination of flavors to achieve the desired profile.
Conclusion
So, is Simply juice 100% juice? The answer is yes, for some products, but no, for others. The Simply brand offers a mix of beverages. Their pure fruit juice products, like Simply Orange and Simply Apple, are genuinely 100% juice and proudly advertise this on the label. However, their other offerings, including lemonades and various fruit-flavored drinks, are accurately described on their websites as juice blends or drinks and contain added water and cane sugar. The key is to look past the brand name and read the specific product's label and ingredient list. The 'Honestly Simple' philosophy applies to the ingredients used, but consumers must distinguish between the pure juices and the blended drinks to know exactly what they are consuming.
