An MDPI study found that American 100 percent juice drinkers have a higher Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2020 score, consume less added sugar, and more total fruit, potassium, calcium and vitamin C.
The research examined the dietary benefits of 100 percent fruit juice and diluted 100 percent juice across diverse socio-demographic data, and found that 100 percent fruit juice consumption is an indicator of healthier diets.
Researchers used two recent cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which contained more than 10,000 adult dietary patterns, and the data of 4,086 children ages 5–19.
Results showed that 100 percent fruit juice drinkers scored 53 on the HEI, based on the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, versus non-drinkers who scored 48. Consumers also had significantly higher HEI 2020 subscores for selected categories, notably total fruit, whole fruit, and whole grains.
However, despite its benefits, only 24 percent of those surveyed consumed any 100 percent juice over the two days of NHANES dietary recalls, and up to 75 percent of people ages 14 to 70 consumed no 100 percent juice at all.
The DGA’s 1-cup limit (8 ounces) was met by the overwhelming majority (94.8 percent) of the population. The half-cup limit (4 ounces) was met by 88% of the population. And 77 percent of young children consumed less than a half cup of 100 percent juice per day.
Practically all older children (94 percent) consumed less than 1 cup of 100% juice per day.
The fruit dietary recommendation is that at least 50 percent of total fruit intake come from whole fruit rather than 100 percent juice. However, the research says there is evidence that 100 percent juice is not displacing whole fruit.
Children ages 13 and younger, and adults over 70, drank more juice than other age groups. Non-Hispanic White groups were less likely to consume 100 percent juice than Black and Hispanic people. Orange juice and apple juice are the two principal 100 percent fruit juices in the U.S. consumer diet.