As one of the most popular fruits worldwide, apple juice is liked by people of all ages, from kids who enjoy its sweet taste to adults who recognize its nutritional value.
Its consumption continues to rise globally due to rising health consciousness and the desire for natural, additive-free beverages. Apple juice’s popularity originates from more than simply its taste; it contains important vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it a healthy choice for many people.
In this article, we will explore the top 12 best apple juice brands on the market, each with its own distinct combination of taste, quality, and health advantages.
One of the world’s most beloved fruit juices is apple juice (Photo source: Daring Kitchen)
Is it healthy to drink apple juice?
Yes, drinking apple juice can be healthy, but it’s important to consume it in moderation. Here are some of the benefits and considerations.
Apple juice benefits
Apple juice has a variety of health benefits due to its high nutritional content and natural antioxidants.
According to the FoodData Central, an 8oz (240ml) serving of unsweetened apple juice includes:
- Energy: 114kcal
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0,496g
- Sugars (from the fruit): 23,9g
- Protein: 0,248g
- Vitamin C: 2,23mg
- Calcium: 19,8mg
- Iron: 0,298mg
and many other beneficial minerals.
Rich in Nutrients
Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and supports good skin, is one of the many important nutrients found in apple juice.
Apart from vitamins, apple juice also contains vital minerals like magnesium and potassium, which support normal muscular and cardiac function.
Antioxidant
Apple juice is full of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and polyphenols, which are important for shielding your cells from the harm that free radicals can do. These powerful compounds support general health and may lessen the chance of developing chronic diseases by assisting the body in reducing oxidative stress.
Hydration
Due to its high water content, apple juice is a great drink to keep you properly hydrated. Its high water content makes it a refreshing choice, especially after exercise or on hot days when you need to stay hydrated.
Apple juice is a tasty method to hydrate and gain nutrients (Photo source: Apple & Eve)
Considerations when drinking apple juice
While apple juice can be a tasty and nutritious drink, there are a few things to keep in mind when drinking it.
Sugar Content
When drunk in large quantities, apple juice’s high natural sugar content can affect blood sugar levels and cause weight gain. It is important to exercise moderation because consuming pure apple juice in moderation lets you reap its nutritional benefits without jeopardizing your health.
Fiber
Apple juice lacks fiber, which is essential for maintaining digestive health, in contrast to whole apples. Fiber encourages regular bowel movements, aids in digestive system regulation, and may help one feel fuller.
This vital nutrient is absent from apple juice, so it is best to eat whole apples or combine your juice with a high-fiber diet.
Caloric Intake
Apple juice contains calories, so keep that in mind if you are trying to watch your weight. Apple juice has natural sugars, which can make it calorie-dense even though it is a refreshing and healthy choice.
Tips for healthier consumption
Mixing apple juice with water is an excellent approach to reducing the sugar amount per serving while maintaining the flavor. This easy trick can help you reduce your overall sugar intake while maintaining the refreshing taste of apple juice.
Limit yourself to little portions of apple juice if you are watching your sugar intake. In this way, you can enjoy apple juice’s nutritional benefits without risking weight gain and other health problems associated with sugar overload.
For the best nutritional benefit, choose freshly squeezed apple juice. It contains more important nutrients and antioxidants than processed alternatives, ensuring you get the most health benefits from your drink.
Is 100% apple juice really healthy for you?
100% apple juice means that the juice is made entirely from apples, without any added sugars, colors, flavors, or preservatives. This type of juice is often labeled to indicate that it contains only the natural juice extracted from apples, ensuring a pure and authentic apple flavor.
When you choose 100% apple juice, you’re getting the natural sweetness and nutrients from the apples themselves, making it a healthier option compared to juices with added sugars or artificial ingredients.
However, 100% apple juice is very hard to find on supermarket shelf. These products are often unpasteurized and must be kept refrigerated. This means storage and transportation of 100% apple juice is difficult, leading to higher costs.
Apple juice is incredibly beneficial for people’s health (Photo source: True Confections)
The best apple juice brands in the market
Selecting the best apple juice brand requires careful consideration of both taste and quality. Numerous brands are available in the market, promising a flavorful and refreshing experience. Here is a list of the best apple juice brands that are distinguished by their taste, purity, and dedication to using only the best ingredients.
Tropicana
Since its founding in 1947 by Anthony T. Rossi, Tropicana has been a premium brand for fruit juice of the highest quality and flavor.
The brand places a strong emphasis on using high-quality, hand-picked apples, making sure to harvest them at the ideal moment for the sweetest flavor. Tropicana juices are known for their distinct and refreshing taste. The flavor profile is characterized by a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a rich aroma.
Tropicana is a famous name chosen by many customers around the world (Photo source: Tropicana)
Ocean Spray
Ocean Spray Apple Juice is made with 100% actual apple juice and contains no added sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It is distinguished by its unique and tangy flavor, which captures the essence of a freshly picked apple.
The brand was established in 1930 and is a cooperative that is comprised of roughly 700 cranberry farmers from North America. In addition to its cranberry expertise, Ocean Spray owns a very popular apple juice product line.
Ocean Spray Apple Juice is 100% apple juice without additives (Photo source: Ocean Spray)
Mott
Famous for its genuine fruit juice and applesauce, Mott’s has been satisfying families’ needs since 1842. With an emphasis on all-natural ingredients, Mott’s forgoes artificial flavors and colors. They provide a nutritional alternative by making their products with real fruit juice.
With no added sugar, Mott’s is a great vitamin C source (Photo source: Mott)
Minute Maid
Minute Maid is a popular brand that offers a wide variety of fruit juices, lemonades, and fruit punch. Minute Maid, owned by The Coca-Cola Company, has provided high-quality beverages for centuries.
Many Minute Maid products contain vital vitamins and minerals. For example, their apple juices contain 100% of the daily vitamin C requirement per serving. Minute Maid juices also come in a variety of quantities and packaging, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption.
Minute Maid apple juice is well-known for its sweet flavor, which perfectly captures the essence of fresh apples.
Minute Maid has provided quality apple juice to households worldwide (Photo source: Minute Maid)
365 Organic by Whole Foods
365 Organic by Whole Foods is a private label brand offered by Whole Foods Market, known for providing high-quality, organic products at more affordable prices. Whole Foods Market is committed to sustainability, and this extends to the 365 Organic line. The brand focuses on environmentally friendly practices, including sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging.
365 Organic’s apple juice is often described as fresh, vibrant, and true to its natural taste.
365 Organic apple juice is loved for its fresh-picked flavor (Photo source: Whole Foods)
Martinelli
Martinelli’s is a renowned brand known for its premium apple juice, apple cider, and sparkling cider. Founded in 1868, Martinelli’s has a long history of producing high-quality apple products.
Martinelli’s is known for its commitment to quality, using only the best apples and a meticulous production process to ensure a superior product. The brand has earned a reputation for excellence, with many customers considering it the best apple juice available.
Martinelli’s apple juice is celebrated for its rich, natural apple flavor. The juice has a distinct, aromatic quality that sets it apart from other brands, making it a favorite among apple juice enthusiasts.
Martinelli is made from 100% fresh apple juice grown in the USA (Photo source: Martinelli)
Great Value
Great Value is Walmart’s private label brand, offering a wide range of products at affordable prices. That’s why its apple juice is known for being cost-effective, making it a great choice for those looking to save money without compromising on quality.
Great Value offers both regular and light versions of their apple juice. The light version has 45% less sugar and calories, making it a good option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
The taste of Great Value apple juice is described as sweet and reminiscent of fresh apples. It has a smooth, refreshing quality that makes it enjoyable to drink. The light version of Great Value apple juice is noted for having less of an artificial sweetener aftertaste compared to other light apple juices.
Great Value provides 130% of the daily vitamin C requirement in each serving (Photo source: Great Value)
Tree Top
Many people are familiar with the name Tree Top because of the wide range of fruit products it manufactures. In 1960, a group of Washington State apple growers came together to establish a cooperative in order to secure a steady market for their apples.
Tree Top offers a wide range of products, including 100% apple juice, apple sauce, and various fruit ingredients like dried, frozen, puréed, and concentrated fruits.
The brand is committed to using high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices. They source their apples from the Pacific Northwest, an area known for its excellent fruit-growing conditions. They offer different varieties, including blends like the 3 Apple Blend and Honeycrisp Apple Juice, catering to different taste preferences.
Tree Top apple juice is praised for its rich and intense apple flavor. The juice has a smooth texture and refreshing quality, making it a popular choice for both kids and adults.
Tree Top provides a nutritional boost while having a delicious flavor (Photo source: Tree Top)
Kroger
Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. Founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger has grown to become a major player in the retail industry.
Kroger apple juice is prepared with 100% apple juice, delivering a natural and authentic flavor. Each serving contains 120% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C, which is beneficial to immunological health.
The juice has a smooth texture and is constantly commended for its delicious flavor, especially given its affordable price.
The delicious goodness of Kroger apple juice will please everyone (Photo source: Kroger)
Old Orchard
Founded in 1985 by Mark and Lisa Saur in Sparta, Michigan, Old Orchard started as a small farming operation and has grown to offer over 100 juice products. The brand is committed to using high-quality fruit juices, sourced from trusted farmers around the globe. Many of their juices are fortified with Vitamin C and other nutrients, providing health benefits along with great taste.
Old Orchard apple juices are known for their rich and authentic fruit flavors. The 100% juice varieties are particularly praised for their natural taste, without the artificial sweetness found in some other brands.
Old Orchard 100% juice blends taste amazing without sugar (Photo source: Old Orchard)
Lakewood
Lakewood is a brand known for its high-quality, organic fruit juices. The juices contain no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients, making them a healthier choice. Many of Lakewood’s products are certified organic and non-GMO, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Lakewood juices are praised for their rich, intense fruit flavors, making them enjoyable to drink.
Lakewood apple juice is 100% pure US-grown apple juice
Conclusion
Choosing the right apple juice brand can significantly improve both taste and health benefits. Whether you are looking for the healthiest apple juice to drink or want to try new flavors, these top brands featured in the article provide something for everyone.
If you are a beverage company wishing to launch your own apple juice brand, Tan Do’s ODM and OEM services can help. With our knowledge, we can help you create high-quality apple juice products that satisfy the needs of today’s health-conscious customers. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your vision a reality.