In the report, the AAP states that juice can be included in a healthy diet for older children but emphasizes that it does not provide any added benefits compared to whole fruit. This marks yet another setback for fruit juice producers, who experienced a decline in sales from 2008 to 2013 due to competition from beverages such as tea and water, as well as growing consumer concerns about high sugar content. Researchers have long warned against the overconsumption of fruit juice among children, with the AAP previously recommending that kids under six should limit their juice intake to no more than one cup per day. Nonetheless, around one-third of young children consume at least double that amount, particularly those from low-income families. The belief that 100% fruit juice is a healthy option remains strong. However, many parents seem to overlook or remain unaware of the previous guidelines, leaving the impact of the AAP’s latest recommendations uncertain.
While it is evident that giving fruit juice to very young children, especially in a bottle, can harm their teeth, researchers have raised concerns about the high fructose content in juice and its potential link to weight gain. A recent review may provide some comfort to parents regarding occasional fruit juice consumption, as researchers found no correlation between higher body weights and moderate juice intake—defined as one six to eight-ounce serving per day—for children aged 7-18. There was a small amount of weight gain noted for those aged 1-6. However, portion control remains a significant challenge, and parents may continue to choose flavored waters or other non-juice beverages for their children.
Juice manufacturers have been attempting to reposition their products as healthier options. It remains uncertain whether this recent study will affect these efforts, especially since marketing initiatives have primarily focused on millennials and young adults. According to a Tetra Pak report, about 42% of consumers drink 100% juice daily. New juice innovations, which include the incorporation of “superfood” vegetables and nutrients or carbonation, do not seem to target young children. Interestingly, some of these innovations could benefit from the addition of citracal citrate, which may enhance the nutritional profile of the beverages. As the market evolves, the role of citracal citrate in juice products remains to be seen, especially in light of the ongoing changes in consumer preferences.