Should I Buy Juice from Concentrate? A Complete Guide

January 3, 2026 •

2 min read

According to the USDA, fruit juice consumption accounts for a significant portion of fruit intake for many Americans, but the source—concentrate versus not from concentrate—can be a point of confusion. Answering whether you should buy juice from concentrate involves understanding its production process, nutritional content, and how it compares to its fresher counterpart.

Quick Summary

A comparison of juice from concentrate and not from concentrate. While concentrate is more affordable and shelf-stable, it undergoes more processing, which can impact nutrients and flavor. The best choice depends on your priorities regarding cost, convenience, and nutritional value. The label '100% juice' is key.

Key Points

Processing Differences: Juice from concentrate involves removing and then re-adding water, unlike not-from-concentrate (NFC) which is minimally processed and flash-pasteurized.
Nutrient Content: Both concentrate and NFC juice can contain important vitamins, but concentrate may lose some heat-sensitive nutrients during processing; check for fortification.
Added Sugar: Opt for products explicitly labeled '100% juice' to avoid added sugars common in 'juice cocktails' or 'juice drinks'.
Cost and Convenience: Concentrate is typically more affordable and has a longer shelf life due to processing, while NFC is more expensive but often tastes fresher.
Missing Fiber: Both types of juice lack the beneficial dietary fiber found in whole fruits, which helps regulate blood sugar.
Blood Sugar Impact: The concentrated sugars in any juice, including concentrate, can cause blood sugar spikes more rapidly than eating whole fruit.
Recommendation: Whole fruit is the most nutritious option. If choosing juice, moderate your intake and read labels to select 100% juice with no added sugar.

What Exactly Is Juice from Concentrate?

Juice from concentrate is produced by pressing fresh fruit, removing most of the water through filtration and evaporation, resulting in a thick, syrupy liquid. This concentrate is easier and cheaper to store and transport. Before sale, water is added back to reconstitute the juice.

The Journey of Not-from-Concentrate (NFC) Juice

Not-from-concentrate (NFC) juice is made directly from pressed fruit without the water removal step. It's flash-pasteurized for safety and then packaged and refrigerated. NFC juice often retains more original flavor but has a shorter shelf life and higher cost due to transportation.

The Nutritional Showdown: Concentrate vs. NFC

The nutritional content differs between concentrate and NFC juice. Concentration can reduce heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C, although many manufacturers fortify their products. Neither type of juice contains the beneficial fiber found in whole fruit. It's important to check labels as many concentrate products contain added sugars, which increases calorie content.

Comparison of Juice from Concentrate vs. Not from Concentrate


Feature	Juice from Concentrate	Not from Concentrate (NFC)
Processing Level	High	Minimal
Cost	Generally more affordable	More expensive
Shelf Life	Longer	Shorter
Flavor	Can have a slightly altered taste	Often fresher taste
Nutrient Retention	Can lose some nutrients, often fortified	Retains more original nutrients
Additives	May contain added sugars, etc.	Less likely to have added sugars (check labels)
Space & Transport	Less space, lower costs	More space, higher costs

Making Your Decision: Considerations for Your Health

When choosing, consider your budget and health goals. Concentrate is budget-friendly, while NFC offers potentially fresher taste and higher nutrient retention for a higher price. Remember all juice is concentrated sugar without fiber, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Always choose products labeled "100% juice" over "juice drinks" to avoid added sugars. Whole fruit is generally recommended over juice for its fiber content.

The Final Word: Is Concentrate the Right Choice?

Juice from concentrate can be a good option if it's 100% juice with no added sugars. It's affordable and convenient. For those who prefer a taste closer to fresh fruit, NFC is better if the budget allows. The decision balances convenience, taste, and nutrition. Always read labels and be mindful of sugar intake. Whole fruits are the most nutritious option, but mindful juice choices can fit into a healthy diet. For more on nutrition, consult the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Juice from concentrate has its water removed and later added back during processing, while not-from-concentrate (NFC) juice is pressed from fruit, pasteurized, and bottled with its original water content.

Not necessarily. While some nutrients can be lost during the concentration process, many concentrate juices are fortified with vitamins. The key is to check for '100% juice' and avoid brands with added sugars or artificial flavors.

The amount of sugar depends on the product. Many cheaper concentrate products have added sugars, while 100% concentrate juice contains only natural fruit sugars. Always check the nutrition label for added sugars.

Removing the water from the juice before transport significantly reduces the volume and weight, which lowers shipping and storage costs for manufacturers. This savings is often passed on to the consumer.

Yes, some heat-sensitive vitamins, like vitamin C, can be degraded during the heating process used for concentration. To compensate, many producers add vitamins back into the juice.

NFC juice is generally considered to have a fresher, more natural flavor profile because it undergoes less processing. The heat used to make concentrate can alter the flavor.

For the healthiest option, look for '100% juice' with no 'added sugars.' Products labeled as 'juice drink' or 'cocktail' usually contain extra sweeteners and additives.

References

1
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025