Juice Concentrate: What It Is, Benefits, and Downsides

Like regular juice: But concentrated. To make juice from concentrate, most of the water is extracted through a filtration process, and preservatives, sweeteners, and other additives may be added.

You may have noticed some juice labels proudly declare that they’re not from concentrate. But what about the ones that are from concentrate?

Like the name suggests, juice concentrate is basically just concentrated juice. Most of the water has been extracted.

So, while it has more sugar than raw juice, it often still has vitamins and minerals worth sipping on. But since it's also a lot more processed, some health-conscious consumers wonder if they should be drinking it all.

Here's all the juicy deets you need to know.

What's in a watermelon, anyway? (Besides watermelon sugar!) Mostly water. Ditto with pretty much all fruit and veggie juices, from blackberry to orange to celery. In fact, water can make up like 90 percent of most raw juices.

When you take all or most of the H2O out of the juice equation, you get a syrup-like, sugar-laden liquid: Juice concentrate.

Taking the water out means bacteria can't grow as easily. So since the good ol’ concentrate doesn't spoil as easily as raw juice, it's obvs good for biz. Companies can save big this way, from packaging through distribution.

Two juice concentrates aren't created equal, either. They may be filtered, evaporated or pasteurized, and also have extra additives like potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate or high-fructose corn syrup.

Since they have a long shelf life, juice concentrates are sold frozen or at room temp.

To make juice concentrate, the raw fruits are:

The water content is then removed via an extraction and evaporation process. Often, water with preservatives is then added back in.

After processing, the juice's flavor may be a little diminished. As a result, many juice companies jazz up the taste with:

If you’re looking for the healthiest juice concentrate option, 100 percent concentrate is 100 percent for you.

Since it's only sweetened with natural fruit sugars, you don't have to worry about added sugar. That being said, the sugar content can still be super high due to how dense it is.

It can also still contain additives that some may wanna steer clear of, like benzoic acid. (Even though benzoic acid is considered safe in small doses, it can cause allergies and may increase health risks in high doses.)

Remember Tang? Yeah. (‘90s kids can't forget.)

Powdered juice concentrates are sprayed and freeze-dried, which dehydrates them. This process removes every last drop of water, so that all you’re left with is a lil’ packet.

Even though these powders are often packed with sugar and additives, they might still have some nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation. (Hint: Eating packets of the powder straight-up as a kid was not moderate. Also, guilty. 🙋‍♀️)

Kool-Aid, anyone? Fruit punch, cocktail, and similar drinks are made from a juice blend. These tend to have additives and sweeteners, so they really pack a punch. If you’re concerned about sugar intake, check the label for ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup.

Don't @ us: We’re not hating on juice concentrate. It's cheap, easy to store, and actually does come with some health benefits.

Here's what it might do for you:

Especially for those who either can't afford or don't have access to raw fruits or raw juice, juice from concentrate is a pretty healthy way to get your nutrients – in moderation.

We’re not gonna lie: Some juices proudly declare "not from concentrate" on their labels for a reason. Juice concentrate isn't as healthy as drinking raw juice.

Even though that doesn't necessarily make it clean-eater enemy numero uno, you def shouldn't be drinking it for say, that juice cleanse. It's worth knowing the downsides, including:

Juice concentrates are affordable alternatives to raw juice. They don't go bad as quickly and can provide nutritional benefits in moderation.

Even though they do often have essential vitamins and minerals, though, they’re a lot more processed than raw juice and often have a lot of additives and excess sugar.

If you’re concerned about your health, look for the healthiest juice concentrate option: 100 percent juice. At the end of the day, though, getting all the fiber and nutrients in whole fruit is your best bet.