Why are things from concentrate bad? Unpacking the downsides

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a diet high in added sugars is linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. For many consumers, the label 'from concentrate' on a beverage can be a sign of increased sugar content and diminished nutritional value.

Quick Summary

Concentrate products, especially juices, are often less nutritious than fresh options due to processing that removes water and heat-sensitive vitamins. They frequently contain added sugars and lack beneficial dietary fiber, which impacts health and blood sugar levels.

Key Points

Nutrient Loss: The heating process used to remove water from juice concentrates destroys delicate, heat-sensitive vitamins like Vitamin C.
Hidden Sugars: Many concentrate-based drinks contain added sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup, which increase calories and health risks.
Missing Fiber: Concentrated juices lack dietary fiber, which is crucial for stabilizing blood sugar and promoting feelings of fullness.
Artificial Additives: Processed concentrates often include artificial flavors and colors to restore taste and appearance lost during manufacturing.
Less Nutritious: Products from concentrate are generally less nutritious and more processed than fresh or 'not from concentrate' alternatives.
Prioritize Whole Foods: The most nutritious and wholesome option is always the whole fruit, which provides fiber and all natural nutrients.

The Processing Toll on Nutritional Value

The fundamental difference between a fresh product and one from concentrate lies in the manufacturing process. For fruit juice concentrates, fresh juice is heated to evaporate most of the water, leaving a thick, syrupy liquid that is easier and cheaper to store and transport. While this is convenient for manufacturers, it is detrimental to the product's nutritional profile. The high heat used in this process destroys delicate, heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C, which is abundant in fresh juice.

Reduced Vitamin Content: The heat evaporation method, commonly used to make concentrate, can significantly reduce the levels of vitamins like B and C compared to fresh, minimally processed options.
Lower Phytonutrient Count: Beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants are also more susceptible to degradation during the extensive processing and pasteurization that concentrates undergo.
Flavor Alteration: The heat processing can also alter the natural flavor. Manufacturers often use 'flavor packs,' which are essentially concentrated orange essence and oil recovered during the initial evaporation, to re-flavor the product before packaging.

Hidden Sugars and Unnecessary Additives

One of the most significant reasons why things from concentrate are often considered bad is the addition of sugars and other additives. While 100% fruit concentrate contains only the fruit's natural sugars, many fruit 'cocktails,' 'punches,' and 'drinks' made from concentrate are sweetened with added sugars.

Ingredients to watch for on labels include:

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS): Excess consumption is linked to obesity and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cane sugar and fructose syrup: Common added sweeteners that increase the overall sugar and calorie content.
Artificial flavors and colors: These additives are used to compensate for the flavor and color lost during processing and have no nutritional value.
Preservatives: Added to extend shelf life, these chemicals may have potential downsides for overall health.

The Missing Ingredient: Dietary Fiber

Perhaps the most crucial nutritional component lost in the journey from whole fruit to concentrated juice is dietary fiber. The processing and filtering remove the fruit's pulp and solids, leaving a liquid that lacks the fiber essential for good health.

Impact on Blood Sugar: Fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Without fiber, the concentrated sugar in juice is absorbed rapidly, causing a sharp spike in blood sugar. This rapid rise and fall can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of insulin resistance over time.
Lack of Satiety: Fiber also contributes to feelings of fullness. Drinking juice concentrate provides calories and sugar without the fiber to make you feel full, which can lead to overconsumption of calories and weight gain.

Comparison: From Concentrate vs. Not From Concentrate


Feature	From Concentrate Juice	Not From Concentrate (NFC) Juice
Nutrient Retention	Reduced levels of heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C due to processing.	Retains most natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to minimal processing.
Dietary Fiber	Negligible to zero fiber, as the pulp and solids are removed.	Contains some dietary fiber, especially in extra-pulp varieties.
Added Sugars	Often contains high levels of added sweeteners, especially in 'cocktail' or 'punch' varieties.	Typically contains no added sugars, relying solely on natural fruit sweetness.
Processing Level	Heavily processed, involving heat evaporation and filtration.	Minimally processed, usually pasteurized with minimal heat.
Flavor	May have an altered taste profile due to heat, often corrected with flavor packs.	Has a fresher, more natural fruit flavor.
Shelf Life	Longer shelf life due to water removal and pasteurization.	Shorter shelf life and requires consistent refrigeration.

Navigating the Grocery Store: How to Choose Wisely

Understanding the drawbacks of products from concentrate empowers you to make better choices at the grocery store. While the cheaper price and longer shelf life can be appealing, prioritizing your health is a better investment in the long run. When faced with options, always examine the nutritional information and ingredients list.

Check the Label: Look for products explicitly stating "100% juice" with no added sugars listed. Even better, opt for "Not From Concentrate" (NFC) juices when possible.
Prioritize Whole Foods: The most nutritious choice is always the whole fruit itself, which provides all the fiber, vitamins, and minerals in their natural, unprocessed state.
Consider Moderation: If you do consume juice from concentrate, do so in moderation and treat it as a treat rather than a primary source of nutrients. For example, a medium orange has 62 calories and 15g of carbs, while a glass of 100% concentrate juice can have 110 calories and 24g of carbs.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

So, why are things from concentrate bad? The simple answer is that they often represent a compromise between convenience and health. The manufacturing process strips away crucial nutrients like fiber and heat-sensitive vitamins, while the frequent addition of sugars and additives increases the caloric density and health risks. While 100% juice from concentrate is a better choice than sugary cocktails, nothing can fully replicate the nutritional benefits of a whole, fresh fruit. Being an informed consumer and making mindful choices in the grocery aisle is the best way to avoid the nutritional pitfalls of concentrate products.

For more information on the process of making juice concentrate, see this article by Healthline, which details the pros and cons of these products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 100% juice from concentrate is a healthier choice than sugary fruit cocktails because it contains only natural fruit sugars and no added sweeteners. However, it still lacks the fiber found in whole fruit.

Check the product label. It will state "from concentrate" or "made from 100% concentrate." For juices, look for alternatives labeled "not from concentrate" (NFC).

No. While the sugar in 100% concentrate juice is naturally occurring, a glass of juice often contains significantly more sugar and calories than a whole piece of fruit of the same type. For instance, one glass of orange juice has more sugar than one orange.

Yes, the heat evaporation process can alter the natural flavor of the fruit. To compensate, manufacturers often add 'flavor packs' back into the juice before bottling.

Dietary fiber helps slow sugar absorption, stabilize blood sugar, and increase satiety. Concentrates lack fiber because the manufacturing process removes the fruit's pulp and solids.

Not necessarily. 100% fruit concentrate without added sugars can still provide some nutrients like Vitamin C and potassium. The key is moderation and being aware of added ingredients.

Sometimes. While some vitamins are lost during processing, some manufacturers fortify their products with vitamins like C and D to compensate. Always check the nutrition label for details.