Juice Plus is a line of dietary supplements derived from concentrated whole fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based ingredients. The company offers several products, most notably the Essentials Capsules, which come in Fruit, Vegetable, Berry, and Omega blends, as well as Complete Shakes and Chewables. Each product has a unique ingredient profile derived from whole food sources.
The Core Capsule Ingredients: Fruit, Vegetable, and Berry Blends
The foundational products of the Juice Plus line are the capsules, which contain whole food powder concentrates. The company states produce is processed into concentrates.
The Juice Plus+ Fruit Blend
The Fruit Blend capsules contain concentrated powders from fruits such as apple, peach, cranberry, and orange. For a full list of ingredients in the Fruit, Vegetable, and Berry Blends, as well as the Plant-Based Omega Blend, please refer to {Link: Juice Plus https://us.juiceplus.com/products/fruit-vegetable-and-berry-capsules}.
The Juice Plus+ Vegetable Blend
This blend features concentrated vegetable and grain powders, including broccoli, parsley, and beet.
The Juice Plus+ Berry Blend
Designed for antioxidants and phytonutrients, the Berry Blend includes concentrated powders from raspberry, bilberry, and cocoa.
The Plant-Based Omega Blend
Offering a vegan source of omega fatty acids, the Omega Blend utilizes oils from various plants rather than fish, providing omegas 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 from sources like algae, pomegranate seed oil, and raspberry seed oil.
Complete Shakes and Chewable Ingredients
Juice Plus Complete Shakes are plant-based meal replacements with protein from sources including soy, chickpeas, and peas, along with grains, sprouts, and fibers. The Chewables contain the same fruit, vegetable, and berry blends as the capsules but are in a gummy form sweetened with ingredients like tapioca syrup and organic cane syrup and use fruit pectin.
Whole Food vs. Supplement: A Comparison
Juice Plus products are based on whole foods but are not a substitute for fresh produce, as the concentration process removes water and fiber.
| Feature | Juice Plus+ Capsules | Whole Fruits & Vegetables |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | No preparation needed; just take capsules. | Requires washing, peeling, and cooking. |
| Fiber | Low dietary fiber content. | High in beneficial dietary fiber. |
| Nutrients | Concentrated phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. May have added nutrients. | Complete range of nutrients, including hydration and fiber. |
| Cost | Considered expensive relative to the nutrient content by some critics. | Generally more cost-effective for daily nutrient intake. |
| Convenience | Highly convenient for busy lifestyles. | Less convenient, requiring regular shopping and meal prep. |
The Manufacturing Process and Added Vitamins
After the produce is processed into concentrated powder, specific plant-sourced vitamins are added, such as beta-carotene from Dunaliella salina algae and vitamin E from soy. This fortification standardizes micronutrient levels. Juice Plus facilities are monitored by the FDA, and products are NSF-certified, ensuring label accuracy.
Understanding the Controversies Around Juice Plus Ingredients
Criticisms of Juice Plus ingredients and marketing exist. Some reviewers note the small quantity of food powder per capsule. A ConsumerLab test found a shortfall in claimed calcium in one instance. Studies on nutrient absorption have shown mixed results for some vitamins and phytochemicals. The company's marketing through a multi-level structure has also led to regulatory warnings and fines for unsubstantiated claims, raising questions about value compared to cost.
Conclusion: Evaluating Juice Plus Ingredients
Juice Plus ingredients include concentrated fruit, vegetable, and berry powders, plant-based oils, and added vitamins. Products contain a range of phytonutrients and undergo quality control with NSF certification. However, the dehydration process removes fiber and water found in fresh produce. While the company points to research on benefits like antioxidant boosts, supplements should not replace a balanced whole-food diet. Consumers should consider the convenience alongside criticisms regarding cost and concentration levels.