Health Benefits of 100% Fruit Juice are Worth the Squeeze

For immediate release
Date: 23 January 2024

SYDNEY: The Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) has today responded to recent media reporting on fruit juice consumption and Body Mass Index (BMI) in children.
What media reports did not tell audiences was that the recent study, ‘Consumption of 100% Fruit Juice and Body Weight in Children and Adults’, concluded there was no effect on weight in adults and the association for 100% juice with childhood weight was very small – less than 100 grams on average. It’s important to note that even the authors themselves rated this evidence in children as very low quality.

“The health benefits from 100% fruit juice consumption should not be understated” said Australian Beverages Council CEO, Geoff Parker. “It’s important to consider that 100% fruit juice is a food product with naturally occurring sugars, but also other beneficial components, such as vitamins, minerals and bioactives. This is why they are a core food in Australia’s current national dietary guidelines”.

Parker noted, “Many adults and children in Australia do not meet the guidelines’ recommended two daily serves of fruit. 100% fruit juice can play an important role in helping these people, especially children, to meet their fruit serve recommendations”.

The ABCL notes that another recent study, ‘Health effects of 100% fruit and vegetable juices: evidence from human subject intervention studies’, published by Cambridge University stated that 100% fruit juices have a nutritional composition close to whole fruits, primarily due to their nutrient content. For instance, citrus juices contain vitamin C, folate, potassium and magnesium, as well as healthy bioactives, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. The Cambridge report concluded that citrus juices reduce inflammation and blood pressure, while increasing cognitive function and improving gut microbiota. They may also have a role in reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

“In this time of soaring cost of living pressures, families are able to rely on 100% fruit juice as an often-cheaper alternative to assist them in consuming a balanced and nutritious diet,” said Parker.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Cathy Cook, Head of Corporate Affairs, 0406 399 211, cathy@ausbev.org

ABOUT
The Australian Beverages Council Ltd (ABCL) is the peak body representing the non-alcoholic beverage industry. Our Membership comprises of small, medium-sized and large companies. Collectively these companies produce over 95% of the industry’s volume. Our members make a substantial $7+ billion contribution to the Australian economy each year, and nationally employ over 46,000 people. Every one job in the industry supports 4.9 jobs in the supply chain.