tropicana orange juice bottle
By WENDY LEIGH
What Does It Mean When Juice Is 'From Concentrate'?
Juice labeled as "from concentrate" means that most of the water has been removed, creating a compact mixture that can be reconstituted with water later.
These juices can differ significantly in taste, texture, and even nutritional value compared to non-concentrate juice. These differences often hinge on whether there are additives.
A bottle of from-concentrate juice can still contain 100% original juice and be labeled as such, as long as any added sweeteners come from natural fruit sugars.
Juices made from concentrates may contain added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, ascorbic acid, preservatives, artificial colors, and the elusive "natural flavors."
Manufacturers of concentrates may also use what are called "flavor packs," which contain artificial compounds made from fruit byproducts.