What Drinks Contain Bromelain?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme found exclusively in the pineapple plant, is highly sensitive to heat. As a result, the primary drink containing this beneficial enzyme is fresh, unpasteurized pineapple juice, along with smoothies made from the raw fruit. The high temperatures used in the canning and pasteurization processes render bromelain inactive, meaning most store-bought juices offer no enzymatic benefits.

Quick Summary

An enzyme primarily found in pineapple, bromelain's active form is available only in drinks made from fresh, unprocessed pineapple fruit. Commercial, pasteurized juices contain inactive bromelain due to heat, but homemade fresh juices and smoothies are excellent sources for potential digestive and anti-inflammatory support.

Key Points

Source of Bromelain: The only common beverage containing active bromelain is fresh, unpasteurized pineapple juice and smoothies made from raw pineapple.
Heat Sensitivity: Bromelain is deactivated by heat, which means pasteurized or canned pineapple juice does not contain the active enzyme.
Maximize Bromelain: For the highest concentration, use the fibrous core of the pineapple in homemade juice or smoothies, as this is where the enzyme is most abundant.
Health Benefits: The anti-inflammatory and protein-digesting properties of bromelain may aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, and support recovery from injury.
Consider Supplements: While fresh juice is beneficial, clinical studies on bromelain benefits often use more concentrated supplemental doses than what is found in a single serving of juice.
Combine with Other Ingredients: For enhanced effects, fresh pineapple can be blended with other anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and quercetin-rich berries.

Fresh Pineapple Juice is the Top Source

To get the active proteolytic enzyme bromelain in a drink, fresh pineapple juice is the definitive source. This is because the enzyme is highly sensitive to heat and pasteurization, the process used to preserve most packaged juices, deactivates it completely. The bromelain is most concentrated in the pineapple's core and stem, but is also present throughout the flesh. To make fresh pineapple juice at home, simply peel and core a ripe pineapple, then blend the chunks until smooth. For a less pulpy drink, you can strain the juice through a sieve or cheesecloth.

Smoothies Offer a High-Bromelain Option

For those who prefer a thicker consistency, smoothies are another excellent way to consume active bromelain. By using fresh or frozen (not pre-heated) pineapple, you can incorporate the entire fruit, including the bromelain-rich core, which is often too fibrous to eat on its own. Combining fresh pineapple with other ingredients like fresh ginger, turmeric, or leafy greens can create a potent, anti-inflammatory beverage. Adding a banana can lend creaminess, while coconut water provides hydration and electrolytes.

Other Bromelain Drink Recipes

Pineapple Ginger Tonic: Blend fresh pineapple chunks with a knob of ginger and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stove for a warming, anti-inflammatory tonic, but be aware that some bromelain will be lost due to the heat. For maximum enzyme activity, use a cold-press juicer instead.
Enzyme-Rich Tropical Smoothie: Combine fresh pineapple and fresh papaya in a blender with a frozen banana and a squeeze of lemon or orange juice. Papaya contains its own digestive enzyme, papain, creating a powerful digestive aid.
Bromelain and Quercetin Drink: Mix fresh pineapple juice with quercetin-rich ingredients like blueberries and kale. Bromelain is thought to help increase the bioavailability of quercetin, and these ingredients combine for a robust antioxidant drink.

Comparison of Bromelain Content in Drinks


Drink Type	Processing Method	Bromelain Activity	Benefits	Drawbacks
Fresh Homemade Pineapple Juice	Raw, mechanical pressing	High and Active	Retains all natural bromelain and other vitamins; maximizes anti-inflammatory and digestive effects.	Requires preparation time and fresh ingredients; shortest shelf life.
Homemade Pineapple Smoothie	Raw, blending	High and Active	Allows use of the core, which has the highest bromelain concentration; retains fiber.	Can be too thick for some; requires a blender.
Pasteurized Canned/Bottled Juice	Heat-treated	Inactive/None	Convenient, long shelf life, accessible.	Bromelain enzyme is destroyed by heat; lower vitamin content; often contains added sugars.
Heat-Simmered Pineapple Tonics	Heat-treated	Greatly Reduced/Inactive	Can create a warming and comforting beverage with other nutrients.	Significant loss of the heat-sensitive bromelain enzyme.

The Role of Bromelain in the Body

As a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain's main function is to break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. This can have a direct benefit for digestion, especially for individuals with pancreatic insufficiency. Beyond digestion, bromelain is primarily recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to help reduce inflammation throughout the body, providing relief for a range of conditions from sinus infections to osteoarthritis. Some evidence also suggests bromelain may aid in faster recovery from surgery and injuries by reducing swelling and pain.

How to Maximize Bromelain Absorption

To get the most out of bromelain in your drink, consistency and preparation matter. For digestive purposes, drinking fresh pineapple juice or a smoothie with a meal can help break down dietary protein. For anti-inflammatory effects related to conditions like joint pain, some sources suggest consuming bromelain on an empty stomach. Always use fresh, ripe pineapple, and avoid heat-based processing methods to ensure the enzyme remains active. For concentrated therapeutic effects, supplements are also an option, though they are not the same as consuming the whole food. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a supplement regimen.

Conclusion

While many beverages are made from pineapple, only those crafted with fresh, unprocessed fruit contain active bromelain. Heat-treated options, such as canned or pasteurized juices, inactivate the enzyme, removing its primary digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. To unlock the full potential of this powerful enzyme, homemade fresh pineapple juice and smoothies are the best choices. By incorporating the fibrous core, which contains the highest concentration of bromelain, you can create a potent, functional beverage to support your health. As with any natural remedy, consistent use of fresh sources is key to experiencing the enzyme's full effect.

Homemade Fresh Pineapple Juice Recipe

Ingredients:

1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cored
1/2 cup cold water (optional, to aid blending)

Instructions:

Chop the pineapple: Cut the peeled and cored pineapple into chunks. The core can be tough to chew, but it's rich in bromelain, so be sure to include it in your blending.
Blend: Place the pineapple chunks in a high-speed blender. Add the water if needed to help the blending process.
Process: Blend until completely smooth. The mixture should have a vibrant color and a consistent texture.
Strain (optional): For a smooth juice, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a pitcher. For a pulpier, more fibrous drink, skip this step.
Serve immediately: For maximum bromelain activity, drink the juice right away. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time, but enzymatic activity will decrease over time.

Tips:

Pair with fresh ginger or turmeric for an extra anti-inflammatory kick.
Freeze leftover juice in ice cube trays for later use in smoothies.
Ensure your pineapple is ripe; an unripe pineapple can be mildly toxic when consumed raw.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most store-bought pineapple juice is pasteurized, a heat-treatment process that inactivates the bromelain enzyme. For active bromelain, you must use fresh, unprocessed pineapple.

Yes, as long as the pineapple was not heat-processed (blanched) before freezing. Check the product information, but frozen chunks are generally a good way to get bromelain for smoothies if fresh is unavailable.

The highest concentration of bromelain is found in the core and stem of the pineapple plant. Including the core in a fresh juice or smoothie is an excellent way to maximize your intake.

Bromelain is a protease enzyme, meaning it helps break down protein molecules into smaller amino acids. When consumed with a meal in fresh pineapple juice or a smoothie, it can assist in the digestion of proteins.

You can make a warm tonic, but the heat will significantly reduce or inactivate the bromelain. To retain the active enzyme, opt for cold-press juicing or a smoothie.

Bromelain is generally considered safe, but high intake can cause mild side effects like stomach upset. People with a pineapple allergy or those on blood-thinning medications should avoid it.

No. While fresh pineapple contains bromelain, supplement doses used in clinical studies are often far more concentrated than what can be consumed in a single serving of fruit or juice.