Apple Products Research & Education Council

Q & A

Boy drinking Apple juice

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FRUIT JUICE

Q: How does fruit juice fit into a healthy diet?

A: The consumption of fruit juice, according to the USDA, is advantageous for healthy children. 100% fruit juices are important sources of nutrients, are natural, generally contain no added sweeteners and are naturally low in fat and sodium. USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the new MyPyramid food guide pyramid recommend 1-2 cups fruit per day, depending on one's age, sex, and level of physical activity. Recent government statistics show that children are barely consuming three portions of fruits and vegetables a day (combined). What parents don’t realize is that their children can drink some of their fruit each day. A healthy, well-balanced diet for children can include appropriate amounts of 100% fruit juice like apple juice (1 cup of apple juice equals one fruit serving).

Q: Is fruit juice necessary for children under the age of one?

A: The breast fed infant under six months old has little need for extra fluid (other than breast milk or infant formula) so there is no physiological reason to offer extra fluids of any kind. Sometimes, liquids that are offered are given for behavioral/emotional issues on the part of the parents or other caregivers (e.g., when the infant cries and has recently been fed).

For infants older than six months, there are a few reasons for recommending additional fluid intake (such as apple juice). Not only does a liquid like 100% fruit juice supply "free water" for kidney function, it may help motivate them to drink from a cup and to accept new tastes and foods, making the transition to solid foods easier. 100% fruit juices like apple juice are well accepted because children tend to love the naturally sweet taste. Parents should check with their healthcare provider about providing additional fluids to infants.

Q: How is a parent to know which juices are 100% juice?

A:To determine if a beverage is 100% juice, parents should look at the label. All beverages that contain juice (or imply that they contain juice) must declare the percentage of juice near the top of the Nutrition Facts panel. Parents also can rely on the name of the product as it is listed on the front of the container. Fruit beverages that contain less than 100% juice must include the term "drink," "cocktail," or "beverage" in the product name. For example, a product called "fruit juice drink" will contain less than 100% juice. In fact, a "fruit juice drink" will often contain as little as 10% fruit juice, contain added sugars or sweeteners, and for the most part, lack important phytonutrients that come from the fruit itself. On the other hand, if a product is called "apple juice," it must be 100% apple juice and made directly from apples or from apple juice concentrate that has water put back in it.

Q:Why is apple juice usually recommended as the first juice for infants and toddlers?

A:A national survey of pediatric health professionals confirms that apple juice is the first juice most often recommended for infants. Since apple juice is so well accepted and pleasing, according to the survey, it remains the fruit juice of choice for babies and toddlers. Apple juice also has a mild laxative effect that may help provide relief from constipation commonly experienced by little ones. Apple juice fortified with vitamin C may help children absorb more iron, an important nutrient for growth and development.

Q: Does fruit juice cause obesity or short stature?

A:According to USDA research, there is no relationship between fruit juice consumption and Body Mass Index (BMI) or height, even in children who consumed 12 or more ounces per day. The 1994 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) revealed that children drinking more than 12 ounces of fruit juice were actually slightly taller with slightly lower BMIs. USDA investigated 441 children age 2-3 years and 389 children age 4-5 years before reaching its conclusion.

In fact, most children drink much less than 12 ounces of fruit juice a day. The 2-3 year-old children averaged only 5.1 ounces per day of fruit juice, while the children 4-5 years old averaged 3.5 ounces. Only about 10 percent of the 2-3 year-olds and 8 percent of the 4-5 year-olds averaged 12 or more ounces of fruit juice per day over the two days of the 1994 study, and USDA found no relationship between this higher consumption, obesity and short stature. USDA has concluded, "Children consuming higher levels of fruit juice tend to consume higher levels of milk and lower levels of fruit drinks and soft drinks. Therefore, fruit juice appears to be a substitute for beverages such as soft drinks and fruit drinks but not for milk in the diets of children." USDA’s bottom line is that genetics, exercise, and quality of diet are factors in whether a child may become obese.

Although recently published research suggests an association between fruit juice consumption and obesity, the researchers note, "We have clearly stated in the paper that this is a cross-sectional study and that we cannot infer causality." They also admit, "The development of obesity is multifactorial, with genetic, social and environmental influences."

Q:How much 100% fruit juice do children consume compared to fruit drinks and ades?

A: When considering intake of beverages (fruit juice, fruit drinks/ades, milk and soft drinks) USDA data (CSFIII) show that boys and girls five and under drink about 23 ounces of beverages each day, of which 21% is 100% fruit juice and 17% is fruit drinks/ades. Above age five, their consumption of 100% fruit juice declines noticeably. Girls in that age category consume 25 ounces of beverages, of which only 12% is fruit juice and 18% is fruit drinks/ades. Boys of the same age consume 27 ounces of beverages, and only 9.5% is fruit juice and 19% is fruit drinks/ades. (Milk and soft drinks account for the remainder of the amounts indicated.)

Q: What is the difference between apple juice and apple cider?

A:You might be surprised to learn that apple juice and apple cider are technically the same – they are both 100% juice from the apple. Some apple juice manufacturers also use processes to clarify the juice, resulting in a clear appearance. In fact, the greatest volume of apple juice sold in the United States is clarified apple juice.

Cider is a broad term that is often used to refer to a number of different products (apple cider, sweet cider, hard cider and so on). For example, in the United States, the word cider refers to the freshly expressed juice of the apple. In England and Australia, the word is used to describe fermented juice, which Americans actually call hard cider. When cider is allowed to ferment or partially ferment, it has distinct characteristics that many have come to recognize – including tart taste and dark, cloudy appearance.

Whether choosing apple juice or apple cider, consumers are recommended to select shelf-stable, frozen or other fruit juices and ciders that have been pasteurized or appropriately heat-treated for safety. If a juice or cider has not been pasteurized, the Food and Drug Administration requires that it be labeled as such to inform consumers.

Keep in mind, the shelf-stable and frozen apple juices found in your grocery store are pasteurized or otherwise heat-treated (unless they contain the unpasteurized label required by the FDA) and may even carry the label "apple cider" during certain times of the year! It all depends on whether the term cider has more appeal in a particular market area.

Q: Why is apple juice pasteurized?

A: The majority of fruit juices such as apple juice are pasteurized. Like milk, when a fruit juice is pasteurized it means that it has been heat treated to help it last longer and to kill bacteria that may have occurred prior to or during processing. Nutrients and flavor are generally not affected by pasteurization. Shelf stable and frozen fruit juices have been pasteurized or heat-treated. A government-mandated label tells consumers if a product has not been pasteurized or properly heat treated.

Q:Are apple products closely monitored for pesticide residues?

A: Apple processors are committed to providing products that meet the highest possible standards for safety. They always employ strict testing procedures, both in-house and through independent testing laboratories, to ensure the highest quality, purity and safety of their products. This is important to know since the health and well-being of both children and adults is paramount to the apple industry and always has been.

Leading health and scientific organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and National Academy of Sciences all agree that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the most healthful that children and adults can consume. Scientists continue to say that the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetable far outweigh any potential risk from pesticide residues.

Here's what pediatricians say about healthy beverage choices