A new study has found that drinking 100% fruit juice is linked to healthier diet choices and does not replace whole fruit in most diets. The research, published on August 21, 2025, examined how people consume both pure and diluted fruit juices. It considered differences by sex, age group, income-to-poverty ratio, and race or ethnicity.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2017-2020 and 2021-2023. Rosa Walsh, PhD, director of scientific research for the Florida Department of Citrus, said, “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.”
Guidelines from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend specific amounts of 100% fruit juice depending on age. Jennifer Hillis, MS, RD, LDN, citrus nutrition research liaison at the University of South Florida College of Public Health explained: “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 found that drinking pure fruit juice helps people reach total recommended fruit intake without replacing whole fruits in their diet. It also noted that this may be especially important for those who cannot always afford or access fresh whole fruits. The report highlights that an eight-ounce glass of orange juice provides key nutrients such as folate, thiamin, potassium and vitamin C.
The Florida Department of Citrus is responsible for marketing and regulating Florida’s citrus industry. According to its website https://www.floridacitrus.org/newsroom/, the agency is funded by a tax on each box of citrus moving through commercial channels. The industry supports more than 32,500 jobs in Florida and has an annual economic impact of $6.9 billion.
For more information about this study or to schedule interviews with Dr. Rosa Walsh or Jennifer Hillis, contact fnews@citrus.myflorida.com or call 863-255-0136.
