Is V8 Vegetable Juice Better Than Tomato Juice?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almost 90% of Americans do not meet the recommended daily intake of vegetables, making juices a popular way to supplement intake. The choice between V8 and plain tomato juice often comes down to their nutritional content, with both offering distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Quick Summary

An analysis of V8 and tomato juice highlights key differences in their nutritional profiles. V8 contains a wider variety of vegetables but is often higher in sodium and calories, while tomato juice is richer in vitamin C and lower in sodium in its low-sodium form. Both are processed, which reduces fiber content compared to whole vegetables.

Key Points

Nutrient Variety: V8 contains a blend of eight vegetables, offering a wider spectrum of vitamins and minerals, while tomato juice focuses on the nutrients from tomatoes alone.
Vitamin C vs. Vitamin A: Tomato juice is notably richer in vitamin C, whereas V8 provides a higher concentration of vitamin A.
Sodium Content: Both original V8 and tomato juice are very high in sodium; choosing low-sodium versions is crucial for managing blood pressure.
Lycopene Levels: Pure tomato juice is a more concentrated source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Fiber Loss: Due to processing, both juices have significantly less fiber than whole vegetables and should not replace them in your diet.
Overall Health: Neither juice is a perfect substitute for whole vegetables, but they can be a better choice than sugary beverages.

The Fundamental Difference: Ingredients and Composition

At its core, the most significant difference between V8 and tomato juice lies in its ingredients. Standard tomato juice is straightforward, made from tomatoes, and sometimes includes salt and other seasonings. V8 Original, on the other hand, is a blend of eight different vegetables: tomatoes, carrots, celery, beets, parsley, lettuce, spinach, and watercress. This blend of vegetables gives V8 a more complex flavor profile and nutritional variety compared to its single-ingredient counterpart.

A Deeper Look into Nutritional Profiles

The choice between V8 and tomato juice often hinges on a closer look at their nutritional makeup. While both are low-calorie options and can contribute to your daily vegetable intake, their specific vitamin and mineral content varies significantly. For example, V8 tends to have higher vitamin A, while tomato juice is a far superior source of vitamin C. This difference means that your health goals can influence which juice is the better choice for you.

The Sodium Debate: A Critical Consideration

For many health-conscious consumers, sodium content is a major factor. The original versions of both V8 and tomato juice are notoriously high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues for those sensitive to salt. A single 8-ounce serving of original V8 can contain up to 640 mg of sodium, while original tomato juice is similarly high.

The Low-Sodium Alternatives: Fortunately, both brands offer low-sodium varieties. Choosing these versions can dramatically reduce your sodium intake without sacrificing flavor or most of the nutritional benefits.
Why Salt Matters: Excessive sodium intake is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, making low-sodium versions a much healthier option for many people.

Antioxidant Power: Lycopene and Beyond

Tomatoes are famous for their high concentration of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Lycopene in Tomato Juice: Since tomato juice is made exclusively from tomatoes, it is a concentrated source of this antioxidant.
Lycopene in V8: While V8 also contains lycopene from its tomato base, the inclusion of other vegetables may dilute the concentration compared to pure tomato juice. However, V8's blend offers a wider range of antioxidants from its diverse vegetable mix.

Fiber: The Processing Problem

One of the main drawbacks of drinking processed vegetable juice is the significant reduction in dietary fiber compared to eating whole vegetables. This is a crucial point for those who consume juice as a replacement for fresh produce.

Reduced Fiber: The juicing process removes much of the pulp, which is where the fiber is found.
Whole Vegetables vs. Juice: While V8 and tomato juice offer some fiber, neither comes close to the amount found in eating whole carrots, celery, or tomatoes. This means that juice should complement, not replace, whole vegetable consumption.

Comparison of V8 and Tomato Juice


Feature	V8 (Original)	Tomato Juice (Original)
Ingredients	Blend of 8 vegetables (tomato, carrot, celery, beet, parsley, lettuce, watercress, spinach)	Primarily tomatoes, plus salt and seasonings
Vitamin A	Higher concentration	Good source
Vitamin C	Excellent source, but lower than tomato juice	Excellent source, higher than V8
Potassium	Good source	Excellent source
Sodium	Very high in original version (over 600mg)	Very high in original version (over 600mg)
Lycopene	High, but concentrated source is tomato juice	Very high, concentrated source
Fiber	Higher than tomato juice, but lower than whole vegetables	Lower than V8, and much lower than whole tomatoes
Flavor	Richer, more complex vegetable flavor	Primarily tomato flavor, can be acidic

Conclusion: The Verdict on Which is Better

Deciding whether V8 or tomato juice is better depends largely on your specific nutritional needs and health priorities. If you are looking for a wider spectrum of vegetable nutrients in a single drink, V8's blend of eight vegetables may be the winner. However, if your goal is a higher dose of vitamin C and concentrated lycopene, pure tomato juice is the clear choice. For anyone watching their sodium intake, opting for the low-sodium versions of either juice is a non-negotiable. Both beverages offer a convenient way to boost your vegetable consumption, but neither should be viewed as a full replacement for eating whole, unprocessed vegetables, which provide more fiber. Ultimately, the "better" juice is the one that best fits your individual dietary needs and health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure tomato juice is a more concentrated source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, than V8. V8's lycopene content is diluted by the addition of other vegetable juices.

Yes, low-sodium V8 can be a healthy choice. It contains significantly less sodium than the original version and still provides vitamins A and C. It is a much better alternative to sugary soft drinks.

Neither V8 nor tomato juice is a significant source of fiber, as much of the pulp is removed during processing. They should not be considered a replacement for eating whole vegetables, which are rich in fiber.

For individuals with high blood pressure, the low-sodium versions of either V8 or tomato juice are the best choice. The regular versions of both contain very high levels of sodium, which can exacerbate the condition.

V8 is made from concentrated vegetable juices, not from whole vegetables. The concentration and pasteurization processes strip away much of the fiber and some nutrients found in whole vegetables.

Yes, an 8-ounce glass of 100% vegetable juice can count as two servings of vegetables towards your daily recommended intake. However, it should supplement, not replace, whole vegetables.

V8 is a better source of vitamin A, while tomato juice contains more vitamin C. Both provide a good amount of vitamins from their vegetable base.