Juice is everywhere these days. From breakfast tables to lunchboxes, it’s a drink many of us reach for regularly. But have you ever stopped to wonder what “not from concentrate” actually means when you see it on a juice label?
This article is here to break it all down. We’ll explore what the “not from concentrate” label tells you (and doesn’t tell you) about how your juice was made.
We’ll dig into the processing methods, the nutritional value you can expect, and how “not from concentrate” juice stacks up against both juice made from concentrate and good old-fashioned fresh-squeezed juice. By the end, you’ll be a juice-label-reading pro!
What does “not from concentrate” mean?
When you see “not from concentrate” on a juice carton, it means the juice went straight from the fruit to the bottle without having any water removed during processing. In other words, it’s the real deal.
The process is pretty simple. The juice is extracted directly from the fruit, then usually pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria and make it last longer. Some companies use a process called cold pasteurization. It’s designed to kill bacteria without using as much heat, helping the juice keep its original flavor.
Whether or not the juice has pulp or seeds depends on how it was filtered. Some juices get filtered a lot, and some don’t get filtered at all.
To keep it fresh, “not from concentrate” juice is often stored aseptically. This just means that it’s kept separate from bacteria. Some manufacturers might also add extracts or “flavor packs” to make the juice taste better.
How is not-from-concentrate juice processed and manufactured?
Juice that’s not from concentrate undergoes a series of steps to ensure it’s safe, flavorful, and stays fresh for as long as possible.
Fruit selection and preparation
The process begins with choosing high-quality fruits that offer the best flavor and juice yield. Once the fruit is selected, it’s thoroughly washed and inspected for any signs of damage or spoilage.
Extraction and filtration
Next, the juice is extracted from the fruit using methods such as pressing or reaming. After extraction, the juice is filtered to remove unwanted solids like seeds and large pulp particles, resulting in a smoother liquid.
Pasteurization and cooling
To eliminate any harmful microorganisms and extend shelf life, the juice is pasteurized. Pasteurization can be achieved through heat treatment or cold pasteurization, depending on the desired outcome. After pasteurization, the juice is rapidly cooled to preserve its flavor and overall quality.
Packaging and storage
The juice is then packaged in aseptic containers to prevent contamination, which helps maintain its freshness and flavor for an extended period.
Single-strength orange juice (SSOJ)
The production of single-strength orange juice typically involves all the steps listed above. During production, juice makers pay close attention to the levels of soluble solids and acids to ensure the final product meets quality standards.
Juice Not From Concentrate vs. Juice From Concentrate: Key Differences
When you’re standing in the juice aisle, it can be tricky to know which kind to choose. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between “not from concentrate” (NFC) and “from concentrate” juices.
The Procedure
Juice that’s made from concentrate involves a specific manufacturing process. First, water is extracted from the fruit, which concentrates the pulp. This makes it easier and cheaper to ship and store. Then, at the bottling plant, water is added back to bring the juice back to its original consistency.
NFC juice skips the water removal and re-addition steps altogether. It’s essentially squeezed fruit juice that’s been pasteurized and packaged.
Ingredients
NFC juice typically contains just that – the juice of the fruit. There may be minimal additives, but generally, you’re just getting the pure juice.
Juice from concentrate, on the other hand, may contain added water, sweeteners (like high fructose corn syrup), and artificial flavorings. These are often added to restore the original taste that may have been lost during the concentration process.
Both types of juice might have “flavor packs” added. These are engineered flavorings designed to standardize the taste of the juice after processing, but they’re more commonly found in juice from concentrate.
Nutritional Value
Nutritionally, both types of juice can be pretty similar, if no extra sugars are added to the “from concentrate” version. Both contain vitamins and minerals naturally found in the fruit.
However, the concentration process can impact the levels of certain vitamins and antioxidants. Some nutrients can be lost or degraded during the heating and water removal stages.
The most important thing to look at is the nutrition label. Pay close attention to the added sugar content, as this can vary significantly between different brands and types of juice.
Is “not from concentrate” juice healthier? Let’s look at the nutrition.
It’s always a good idea to read the nutrition labels on juice, no matter what kind it is. Pay special attention to the amount of sugar.
Both “from concentrate” and “not from concentrate” juices may have added sugars and sweeteners, which can hurt your health. For example, one cup of apple juice can have about 10 grams of sugar, whereas a cup of tomato juice may only have around 3 grams.
Whether juice is from concentrate or not, it’s important to drink it in moderation. Choose options with less sugar, and don’t drink juice every day.
Juice Not From Concentrate vs. Fresh-Squeezed: Which Is Better?
Fresh-squeezed juice has a lot going for it. Because it’s minimally processed, it retains the maximum amount of nutrients. It also doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives.
However, “not from concentrate” juice has its own advantages. It’s more convenient and has a longer shelf life than fresh-squeezed. You can store it for longer and buy it in larger quantities.
Cost is another factor. Fresh-squeezed juice almost always costs more than “not from concentrate” juice because of the labor involved and the amount of fresh ingredients required.
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for maximum nutrition and don’t mind paying extra or spending time juicing yourself, fresh-squeezed might be the way to go. If you prioritize convenience and affordability, “not from concentrate” juice is a good option. Also, consider any personal health conditions you have when choosing a juice.
In Closing
Now you know that juice that’s “not from concentrate” (NFC) is pasteurized juice that hasn’t been dehydrated and reconstituted. This makes it different from juice made from concentrate, which requires processing and the addition of water.
NFC juice is often considered less processed than juice from concentrate. However, no matter which kind of juice you choose, it’s important to look closely at the nutrition facts label. Many juices contain added sugars, and the total amount of sugar can be significant.
Ultimately, deciding whether to choose juice from concentrate, NFC juice, or no juice at all depends on your individual needs and preferences. Pay attention to added sugars, how often you plan to drink juice, and any personal health conditions that might be affected by your choice.