What is Concentrated Juice? Are the Nutrients Also Concentrated?

As modern people's demand for healthy beverages continues to rise, concentrated juice has become a popular choice in the market due to its diverse flavors and convenient storage. But have you ever wondered what concentrated juice really is? How does it differ from fresh juice? From processing methods to nutritional value, and how to select high-quality products, SKYAURANT International Foods will take you on a deep dive into the mysteries of concentrated juice, and recommend trustworthy brands and products to help you enjoy deliciousness while also maintaining your health.

What is Concentrated Juice?

Concentrated juice is made by using a low-temperature vacuum concentration method after fresh fruit is juiced, evaporating a portion of the juice's water content. In simple terms, it's the process of "removing water," evaporates most of the water from the original fresh fruit juice using a special food processing method and it's an intermediate product in the juice manufacturing process.

Concentrated juice is derived from natural juice that has been concentrated through technology, resulting in approximately 1.5 times the original soluble solids. Its characteristic is that the product packaging is small, and it can be reconstituted by diluting it with water when consumed, which is commonly referred to as reconstituted juice. According to national standards (CNS 2377), concentrated fruit and vegetable juice, after reconstitution based on the concentration ratio, must meet certain quality standards for soluble solids, titratable acidity, formal nitrogen, and ash content. If these criteria are met, concentrated juice can be labeled as "100% juice."

Does Concentrated Juice Have Nutritional Value?

The nutritional value of concentrated juice depends on its processing method. Fresh juice primarily contains carbohydrates (fructose), vitamins, and minerals, with only avocado juice containing protein. Concentrated juice can retain fructose, but during the processing, vitamins and other nutrients may be lost due to oxidation and heat, and the fiber from the fruit is often filtered out. Juice factories may add back the vitamins lost during processing, which then becomes a feature of the concentrated juice product. Nowadays, people care about taste as well as health. Although the nutritional value of concentrated juice is not as complete as that of freshly squeezed juice, it still has certain health benefits. The unique feature of Fruta Island products is that they retain the pulp and fiber of the original fruit; one just needs to be mindful of not consuming too much sugar.

Why Can Concentrated Juice Last So Long?

The primary reason is to increase the shelf life using high concentrations of sugar and antioxidants. When stored in a cool place, it can typically last 1 to 2 years. Therefore, concentrated juice doesn't extend its shelf life by adding preservatives but by adding sugar to lower water activity, making it less conducive for microbial growth. Because it's very sweet, it needs to be diluted before consumed. Sweetness is subjective, so we recommend that businesses experiment to find the "golden ratio" for their beverages. Concentrated juice is our flagship product, and if you're unsure about the dilution ratio, our experts can provide you with the basic proportions for adjustment to ensure beverage quality remains consistent.

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Two Common Methods for Preparing Concentrated Juice

Freezing Concentration Method

First, the juice is frozen, and then pressure is applied to allow the water in the juice to sublimate. The advantage of this concentration method is that it processes at low temperatures, which better preserves the nutrients (such as vitamin C) and natural flavors of the fruit, making it suitable for high-quality products. However, the downside is that the processing cost is relatively high, and it is usually used in the high-end juice market.

Evaporation Concentration Method

This method evaporates the water content in the juice by using heat. The high heat can reduce the nutritional value and flavor of the fruit, so additional food flavorings are used to enhance the flavor of the concentrated juice. The advantage here is lower processing costs. The key to a delicious beverage lies in the concentration formula of the juice manufacturer, as well as aligning with the product's positioning and demand. Concentrated juices are usually sold in bulk, and there are two main types of fruit juices in the market: 100% pure fruit juice and regular fruit juice drinks. Take starfruit juice as an example: the main ingredient is starfruit extract, and the secondary ingredients include water, aspartame, flavorings, and colorings. Therefore, it is not 100% pure fruit juice. For non-fruit juice beverages, the amount of extracting solvent used may be different from traditional methods. Thus, for non-fruit juice drinks, the best taste and flavor may not necessarily be 100% pure. It depends on the juice manufacturer's product positioning and demand.

Five Major Advantages of Concentrated Juice

Concentrated liquids are very common in imported raw materials. The most important reason for turning fresh juice into concentrated juice is cost savings. The savings are not about cutting corners or reducing the amount of fruit used; juice manufacturers aim to save on the "water" cost of the juice. Concentrated juice offers many advantages, making it a mainstream choice in the juice industry. Here are the benefits of processing and extracting juice into concentrated form:

• Convenient Transportation: The removal of moisture significantly reduces weight and volume, leading to a substantial decrease in transportation costs, whether for domestic logistics or international shipping by sea or air.
• High Storage Efficiency: Concentrated juice occupies less space, effectively reducing storage costs, making it particularly suitable for bulk wholesale and long-term storage.
• Less Prone to Spoilage: The low moisture content inhibits the growth of microorganisms, providing better stability compared to freshly squeezed juice with high moisture content.
• Stable Supply and Quality: Concentration technology allows juice to be unaffected by the seasonal availability of fruits, resulting in high stability after quality adjustments, making it suitable for commercial mass production.
• Good Economic Benefits: Eliminating the cost of "water" enhances overall efficiency, allowing manufacturers to offer high-quality products at reasonable prices.

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Differences Between Concentrated Juice and Fresh Juice

Although both concentrated juice and fresh juice are made from fruit, there are significant differences in their production methods, nutritional value, preservation methods, and flavor. Concentrated juice is processed to remove water and then reconstitutes, making it suitable for commercial production and long-term storage. In contrast, fresh juice emphasizes being freshly squeezed and aims to retain its natural characteristics, but it is limited by preservation and transportation conditions. The following comparison table clearly presents the differences between the two, helping you choose the type of juice that best meets your needs.

Comparison Table of Concentrated Juice and Pure Juice

How to Choose Concentrated Juice?

Check the Concentration Label

When buying concentrated juice, start by checking the concentration label on the package. Opting for products with a high original juice content, close to 100%, helps you avoid excessive dilution or additives that can impact your health, allowing you to enjoy a more authentic fruit juice flavor. 

Review the Ingredient List

Take a closer look at the ingredient list and select concentrated juices with minimal additives, free of refined sugars or artificial flavors. These options better retain the fruit’s natural nutrients and taste while keeping unnecessary health risks at bay.

Consider Price and Brand Reputation 

Price and brand are also very important. A price that is too low may indicate insufficient fruit content, while high-quality concentrated juice requires reasonable costs to support the quality of the ingredients. It is recommended to choose a reputable brand like "Fruta Island" whose fruit puree series is rich in real fruit pulp, not only preserving nutrients and fiber but also making it easy to prepare rich and healthy beverages, perfectly satisfying the demand for natural fruit flavors!
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Recommended Wholesale Suppliers of Concentrated Juice

SKYAURANT International Foods is a professional wholesale company specializing in concentrated juice with many years of experience. We offer a variety of concentrated juices to meet diverse needs. In collaboration with our R&D team, we are dedicated to restoring the appearance of fresh juice, allowing customers to savor the taste and flavor of the fruit. Our supply is stable, ensuring that clients can always access high-quality concentrated juice without worrying about seasonal changes or natural disasters.
 

Conclusion 

Whether you have a small demand or are a startup in need of new juice product development, or if you are seeking research and development and customization services, SKYAURANT International Foods welcomes your inquiries. We offer Fruta Island Fruit Syrup and Fruta Island Puree/Pulp Fruit, both backed by years of brand reputation. If you are looking for unique ingredients, we can also create custom concentrated juices tailored to your specific needs. Contact SKYAURANT International Foods today, and let our professional team assist you in creating the perfect juice beverage!