Fruit juices
Fruit juice is 100% pure juice made from the flesh of fresh fruit or from whole fruit, depending on the type used. It is not permitted to add sugars, sweeteners, preservatives, flavourings or colourings to fruit juice.
Fruit juices are usually described as:
- From concentrate
- Not from concentrate
- Freshly squeezed
Fruit juice from concentrate
Juice is extracted from the fruit and the water content is reduced (by evaporating off the water naturally present) in the country of origin. Fruit juice packers then reconstitute the juice by adding back the water. Some juice producers often enrich their products with vitamins, fibres and other valuable nutrients; different mixes are also used.
Not from concentrate juice
Juice is extracted from the fruit in the country of origin and then lightly pasteurised and frozen, chilled or aseptically transported to the country where it will be packed.
Freshly squeezed juice
Juice is extracted from the fruit and used immediately.
Shelf Life
Juices have different shelf lives depending on the packing process used. Long life juices usually keep for 6-12 months while the packaging is kept sealed, and because of the pasteurisation process applied and packing method, do not require chilling. Short life juices have a shelf life of up to 30 days and must be kept chilled (incl. logistic and storage).
Freshly squeezed fruit juices must have a shelf-life of no more than 14 days and undergo no pasteurisation treatment; they are usually packed and delivered to retailers within 24 hours.
Is fruit juice good for me?
Yes, fruit juice contains valuable nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy diet.
Are smoothies fruit juice?
Smoothies usually contain crushed fruit, purees and fruit juice. A smoothie labelled as "fruit juice" may contain no other added ingredients and is subject to the same regulations as fruit juice. Non pure fruit smoothies may contain additional ingredients such as yoghurt or milk – all ingredients must be labelled.
Nectars are a specific fruit juice segment which, subject to the same regulations as fruit juice. Fruit juice and/or fruit puree content depends on the fruit type. Nectars from citrus fruits must contain 50% juice at least. The juise of the blueberries and other similar type of fruits must contain around 25% fruit as their juice is not tasty for direct consumption in large amounts.
Juice and nectar are names that can only be used for products вhich meet the regulatory requirements specified for them.
