This month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule to lower the minimum sugar level standard—known as Brix—for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 to 10 degrees. The Florida citrus industry, including the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), the Florida Citrus Commission, and state legislative leaders, have supported this change for years, saying it better reflects current conditions in Florida’s citrus crop.
Recent years have also seen a focus on reducing added sugars in processed foods due to concerns about obesity in the United States. According to September 2024 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adult obesity rates remain high nationwide. Experts note that while sugar is a factor, other contributors include stress, genetics, gut health, and access to affordable food.
The Dietary Guidelines for America recommend that people over two years old limit added sugars to less than 10 percent of daily calories—about 50 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet. A single 12-ounce soda contains about 37 grams of added sugars.
However, organizations such as the DGA, World Health Organization (WHO), and American Heart Association (AHA) agree that natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Jennifer Hillis, registered dietitian nutritionist and citrus nutrition research liaison at the University of South Florida College of Public Health, said: “Numerous studies report that children or adults who consume 100% orange juice are no more likely to be overweight or obese compared to those who do not consume it.”
Despite having no added sugar—its sweetness comes solely from oranges—100% orange juice is often criticized by those concerned about sugar intake and is sometimes grouped with sugar-sweetened beverages.
Some consumers may misunderstand the FDA’s proposed rule as being related to public health concerns over sugar consumption. However, industry representatives say this is not the case.
The proposal comes amid ongoing challenges for Florida citrus growers battling Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease. This disease has affected groves across Florida for nearly two decades and has significantly reduced yields by weakening or killing trees.
To address these challenges, growers are adopting strategies such as planting disease-tolerant varieties, using protective screens called CUPS (Citrus Under Protective Screen), applying systemic treatments like oxytetracycline (OTC), and advocating for regulatory changes like lowering Brix requirements.
Shannon Shepp, executive director of FDOC, said: “The supply challenges resulting from citrus greening and recent hurricanes, no change in consumer preference, is what’s really behind the industry’s advocation for lowering the minimum Brix requirement. And, as global orange juice supplies tighten, we are starting to see cheaper, less nutrient-dense alternatives on grocery store shelves.”
Dr. Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research at FDOC explained: “Blends and ‘juice drinks’ often arrive in cartons and bottles that mimic the look of 100% orange juice. The resemblance makes it harder for shoppers to tell the difference quickly which can lead to accidental swaps at the shelf. Over time that confusion risks shifting purchases away from 100% orange juice made from Florida-grown fruit chipping at demand just when the industry needs it most.” Dr. Zansler advised consumers to read nutrition labels carefully since some similar-looking products may contain added sugars.
Lowering Brix standards would allow more oranges grown under current challenging conditions to be used for making juice—a move welcomed by growers facing supply shortages.
Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual stated: “Florida’s citrus growers have advocated for this regulatory change since 2022 petitioning the FDA to revise the standard of identity for orange juice to better reflect the Brix levels in today’s Florida-grown oranges. If FDA’s proposed rule is finalized it will be a monumental step forward in helping Florida citrus growers bring more orange juice to market remain competitive and ensure consumers can enjoy the high-quality Florida orange juice they know and love.”
Experts say changing Brix standards will not affect taste or nutritional value. Hillis noted: “If the minimum Brix is changed from 10.5 to 10,the taste of 100% orange juice will not be affected nor will it change overall nutrition density.”
Hillis also emphasized health benefits associated with drinking one eight-ounce glass per day: “One 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C an essential antioxidant that supports immune function,” she said.“Research shows that vitamin C may help reduce duration and severity of cold symptoms.For those who suffer from chronic disease vitamin C helps mitigate inflammation and supports healing.Plus one eight-ounce glass per day is a good source of potassium thiamin,and folate further contributing your overall nutrient intake while supporting immune system.”
She also highlighted cardiovascular benefits:“The folateand vitamin B6that naturally occur incitrus may help protect against heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in blood an amino acid that causes damage arteries,” said Hillis.“Clinical studies show flavonoids such as hesperidin in100%orange juicereduces total cholesterol especially LDL(or‘bad’)cholesterol.Furthermore,it helps reduce blood pressureand triglyceride levels.”
On cognitive health,Hillis reported:“Several phytonutrients foundin100%orangejuice playanimportant roleincognitivehealth.Fl avonoidsandthiaminalongwithvitaminsCandB6helpadultsavoiddeficienciesthatcontributetomemorylossconfusionanddementia,”saidHillis.“Clinicalstudiesrevealthatadultswhoconsume100%juicescorebetteroncombinedtestsforglobalcognitivefunctionwhencomparedwithadultswhodonot.Including100%orangejuiceinahealthydietmayplayaroleinloweringtheriskofsubjectivecognitivedecline.”
AccordingtoDr.Zansler,“EverymonththeUniversityofFloridatracksconsumerperceptionsoforangejuicethroughanationallydemographicallyrepresentativesurvey.The research further indicates theeconomicallysignificantdriversofdemand,anditpaintsaclearpicture:thevastmajorityofconsumerscontinuetoassociate100%orangejuicewithpositiveattributes,suchasnutrition,taste,andvalue.”
Surveys show most Americans value these attributes; only16percentcite“too much sugar”asareasonnottobuywhileover70percentgiveotherreasonslikepriceoralreadyhavingjuiceathome.DGArecommendsthatwaterlow-fat/fat-freemilkand100%fruitjuiceshouldbetheprimarybeveragesofchoicetomaintainahealthydiet.
If finalized,the FDA proposal would let moreFloridaorangesbeusedforjuiceproductionhelpinggrowersaddresssupplychallengeswhilekeepingproductqualityconsistent.