Which drink is made from fruit? A Guide to Juice, Smoothies, and More

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, fruit juice is defined as the unfermented but fermentable juice obtained by the mechanical process from sound, ripe fruits. From classic orange juice to modern probiotic drinks, a vast array of delicious beverages are made either directly or indirectly from fruit.

Quick Summary

This article explores a variety of drinks made from fruit, detailing the distinct processes for creating fresh juices, creamy smoothies, probiotic kombucha, and subtle fruit-infused water. It highlights key differences in production, nutritional content, and health considerations.

Key Points

Variety is key: Fruit-based drinks encompass everything from pressed juice and blended smoothies to fermented kombucha and subtly flavored infused water.
Fiber matters: Smoothies made from whole fruits retain more beneficial dietary fiber than strained fruit juices, which helps regulate blood sugar absorption.
Read the label: Store-bought fruit drinks, including juice cocktails and nectars, often contain added sugars and lack the full nutritional value of fresh options.
Control ingredients: Making your own fruit drinks at home, whether juicing or infusing, gives you full control over sugar content and freshness, maximizing health benefits.
Consider fermentation: Kombucha and cider use fruit to add flavor during a fermentation process, offering distinct tastes and potential probiotic benefits in the case of kombucha.
Hydration with flavor: Fruit-infused water is an excellent option for those who want a flavorful, calorie-free way to increase their daily water intake.

A diverse world of beverages is derived from fruit, each with a unique preparation method, flavor profile, and nutritional outcome. Understanding these differences can help you make informed choices, whether you're seeking a vitamin-packed morning boost, a refreshing zero-calorie quencher, or a gut-friendly fermented option. The primary distinctions lie in how the fruit is processed, which affects everything from fiber content to sugar concentration.

The Many Kinds of Drinks Made from Fruit

Juice: The Classic Fruit Drink

Juice is perhaps the most straightforward fruit-based drink, made by mechanically squeezing or pressing the natural liquid from fruit. For example, orange juice is the extracted liquid from oranges, while apple juice comes from pressed apples. When shopping, it's important to distinguish between different types. Products labeled '100% juice' are pure fruit juice, although they can be made from concentrate, a process where water is removed and later added back. 'Juice drinks' or 'cocktails', however, often contain a lower percentage of actual juice blended with water and added sugars. While 100% juice is a source of vitamins and minerals, it lacks the fiber of whole fruit, which can cause faster blood sugar spikes.

Smoothies: Blending Whole Fruit

Unlike juice, smoothies are made by blending whole fruits, including the flesh and sometimes the skin. This crucial difference means smoothies retain the dietary fiber, which aids digestion and moderates the absorption of natural sugars. Common additions to a fruit smoothie include yogurt, milk, protein powder, or other fruits and vegetables. The result is a thicker, often creamier beverage that is more filling than juice. You can easily customize homemade smoothies to suit your taste and nutritional needs.

Kombucha: Fermented Fruit Tea

Kombucha is a fermented tea, but it's often infused with fruit during a secondary fermentation process to add flavor and natural carbonation. The initial fermentation involves a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) reacting with sweetened tea. During the second phase, brewers add fresh fruit puree or pieces to the kombucha in a sealed bottle. The yeast consumes the sugar from the added fruit, creating carbon dioxide and contributing to the probiotic and antioxidant properties of the finished drink.

Cider: Fermented Apple Juice

Traditional cider is a fermented drink made from apple juice. After the apples are harvested and washed, they are milled into a pulp, which is then pressed to extract the juice. This juice is then fermented, either naturally or with added cider yeast, in barrels over several weeks or months. The fermentation process converts the fruit's sugar into alcohol. While in the UK and some regions of the US 'cider' refers to this alcoholic drink, in other areas like the US, 'sweet cider' refers to the cloudy, unfermented apple juice.

Fruit-Infused Water: Subtle Flavor

For those seeking a lighter, low-sugar option, fruit-infused water is a simple and refreshing choice. This beverage is made by adding fruit slices, such as lemon, strawberry, or cucumber, to cold water and letting the flavors infuse over a few hours. The result is a subtly flavored drink that encourages hydration without adding calories, sugar, or artificial additives.

Comparison Table: Juice vs. Smoothie vs. Infused Water


Feature	Fresh Juice	Homemade Smoothie	Fruit-Infused Water
Fiber Content	Minimal; mostly removed during pressing.	High; retains all fiber from whole fruits.	None; only subtle fruit essences are extracted.
Sugar Level	High; concentrated natural sugars can spike blood sugar.	Varies; contains natural fruit sugars, but fiber slows absorption.	Zero added sugar; only trace amounts of natural sugars.
Nutrient Density	High concentration of vitamins and minerals, but sensitive nutrients can be lost.	High; retains a wide spectrum of nutrients from whole fruits and additions.	Minimal; primarily provides hydration with trace vitamins.
Preparation	Requires a juicer; can be messy and time-consuming.	Requires a blender; relatively quick and easy cleanup.	Easiest; involves simply adding fruit to water.
Satiety	Low; lacks fiber needed to feel full.	High; fiber and other ingredients promote fullness.	Low; contains no calories or fiber.

Health Considerations: Fresh vs. Packaged

When choosing fruit drinks, it's essential to consider the processing involved. Store-bought juices often undergo pasteurization, a heating process that can reduce some nutrients, like vitamin C, and beneficial enzymes. They may also contain added sugars, flavor packs, and preservatives. Homemade drinks, especially cold-pressed juice, offer superior nutritional value because they avoid these processes. However, freshly made drinks have a much shorter shelf life. Ultimately, the convenience of a packaged drink comes with a trade-off in nutritional quality compared to a fresh, homemade version. For more on the benefits of homemade cold-pressed juice, see this comprehensive guide: Cold-Pressed Juice vs. Store-Bought Juice: Is It Really Better?.

Conclusion: The Right Fruit Drink for You

From classic juice to trendy kombucha, fruit provides the basis for a vast range of delightful beverages. Your best choice depends on your health goals and preferences. If you're prioritizing maximum fiber and nutritional density, a homemade smoothie is the way to go. If simple, calorie-free hydration is your aim, infused water is ideal. For probiotic benefits and a unique flavor, kombucha offers an appealing option. While moderation is key for any fruit drink due to natural sugar content, opting for fresh, homemade versions whenever possible gives you the most control over ingredients and provides superior nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fruit juice is the extracted liquid from fruit, which removes the dietary fiber. A smoothie is made by blending whole fruits, retaining all of the fiber, which makes it thicker and more filling.

While 100% fruit juice contains vitamins and minerals, it lacks the fiber found in whole fruit. This can lead to a faster spike in blood sugar compared to eating the whole fruit, which is why whole fruit is generally considered a healthier option.

Yes, you can easily make your own fruit-infused water at home by adding slices of your favorite fruits, such as lemon, strawberry, or cucumber, to a pitcher of cold water and letting it infuse in the fridge.

Kombucha is a fermented tea. Fruit is typically added during a second fermentation phase, where the yeast consumes the fruit's natural sugars, which flavors the tea and creates natural carbonation.

Store-bought juices are often pasteurized, a heating process that kills bacteria and extends shelf life. This is in contrast to fresh, homemade juice, which must be consumed quickly due to a lack of preservatives.

Yes, traditional cider is made from fermented apple juice. The process involves pressing apples into juice, which is then fermented to convert the sugars into alcohol.

Smoothies contain the natural sugars found in the whole fruits used. While this can be a significant amount, the high fiber content helps slow down the sugar's absorption, making it a more balanced choice than juice.

Eating whole, fresh fruit is the healthiest option as it provides all the nutrients and fiber. If you prefer a drink, a homemade smoothie is best for retaining fiber, while fruit-infused water offers calorie-free flavor.