New Study Finds Consumption of 100% Fruit Juice is a Marker for Healthier Diets, Does Not Displace Whole Fruit

Bartow, Fla. - A recent study reveals that consuming 100% fruit juice is a marker for healthier diet choices and does not displace whole fruit consumption.

The study, which was published August 21, 2025, explored the consumption patterns of 100% fruit juice and diluted juice with the goal of better understanding its relationship to diet quality. Population groups in this exploration included consideration for sex, age group, income-to-poverty ratio (IPR) and race/ethnicity.

For its analysis, researchers utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), cycles 2017-2020 and 2021-2023. "NHANES gives us a nationally representative look at what Americans eat and drink," said Rosa Walsh, PhD, director of scientific research for the Florida Department of Citrus. "Because participants provide detailed 24-hour dietary recalls collected over multiple days, the data offers a foundation for studying eating patterns, including 100% juice intake."

Current recommendations for consumption of 100% fruit juice (containing no added sugar) from Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are dependent upon age, ranging from a half- to one-and-a-quarter-cup per day. "According to the AAP, 100% fruit juice can fit into children's diets when served in moderation alongside balanced meals and snacks," said Jennifer Hillis, MS, RD, LDN, citrus nutrition research liaison at the University of South Florida College of Public Health. "Similarly, the 2020-2025 DGA note that 100% fruit juices, such as orange juice, can help people meet daily fruit recommendations."

It's important to note that the study made these observations:

• Consumption of 100% fruit juice and diluted 100% juice is below the DGA guidelines.
• Comparatively, the consumption of beverages containing added sugars was much higher, especially among children and young adults.
• 100% fruit juice made up only 40 percent of total fruit intake on average.
• Consumers who drank more 100% fruit juice / diluted juice had an overall diet with more total whole fruit, more potassium, calcium and vitamin C, while consuming less added sugars compared to those who did not. "The study reveals that consumers of 100% juice had higher Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020) scores (53 vs. 48) and Nutrient Rich Food (NRF9.3) scores," said Hillis.
• Younger children, lower income groups and minorities (non-Hispanic black children) consumed more 100% juice than others.
• Higher income groups consumed more whole fruit, while lower-income groups consumed more juice due to affordability.

The study concludes that 100% fruit juice does not displace whole fruit in most cases but rather contributes to total fruit recommendations and helps fill nutrient gaps for populations that may not be able to afford (or have access to) whole fruit. Therefore, the study supports that 100% orange juice, which is a principal 100% fruit juice, can serve an important role to fill nutrient gaps with an 8-ounce glass providing folate, thiamin, potassium and vitamin C.

For more information about this study, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Rosa Walsh or Jennifer Hillis, MS, RD, LDN, email [email protected] or call 863-255-0136.

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About the Florida Department of Citrus

The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of the Florida government charged with the marketing, research, and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs more than 32,500 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.9 billion to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida's schools, roads, and health care services. For more information about the Florida Department of Citrus, visit FloridaCitrus.org/newsroom.