A new study has found that drinking 100% fruit juice is linked to healthier diet choices and does not replace the consumption of whole fruit. The research, published on August 21, 2025, analyzed how people consume both 100% fruit juice and diluted juice across different population groups, including variations by sex, age group, income-to-poverty ratio, and race or ethnicity.
Researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2017-2020 and 2021-2023. Rosa Walsh, PhD, director of scientific research for the Florida Department of Citrus, explained the value of this data: “NHANES gives us a nationally representative look at what Americans eat and drink. 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 guidelines from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend daily intake levels for 100% fruit juice based on age. Jennifer Hillis, MS, RD, LDN, citrus nutrition research liaison at the University of South Florida College of Public Health said: “According to the AAP, 100% fruit juice can fit into children’s diets when served in moderation alongside balanced meals and snacks. Similarly, the 2020-2025 DGA note that 100% fruit juices, such as orange juice, can help people meet daily fruit recommendations.”
The study concluded that in most cases consuming 100% fruit juice does not reduce whole fruit intake but instead helps individuals reach total recommended amounts of fruit. It also noted that this type of juice can fill nutrient gaps for those who may lack access to or cannot afford whole fruits. An eight-ounce glass of orange juice provides nutrients such as folate, thiamin, potassium and vitamin C.
The Florida Department of Citrus is responsible for marketing and regulating Florida’s citrus industry. The agency is funded by taxes paid by growers on each box of citrus sold commercially. According to its website https://www.floridacitrus.org/newsroom/, more than 32,500 people work in Florida’s citrus sector which contributes $6.9 billion annually to the state economy.
For further details about this study or to arrange interviews with Dr. Rosa Walsh or Jennifer Hillis MS RD LDN contact fnews@citrus.myflorida.com or call 863-255-0136.
