Orange juice, also known as OJ, is a worldwide favorite beverage. Orange juice is a plant-based food, but is orange juice vegan? Or are producers adding extra ingredients to the juice for flavor and taste?
Yes, Orange Juice is vegan. The majority of orange juices on the market are purely made from just oranges. While some brands of orange juice may have additives and preservatives, none of these are non-vegan. The best vegan orange juices are Uncle Matt’s Organic Orange Juice, Trader Joe’s Organic Orange Juice, Simply Light Orange Juice, and Tropicana Pure Premium OJ.
In this article, we will discuss the nutritional values for top brands of orange juice. We will also go over a low sugar and carbohydrate alternative the Simply Light Orange Juice. Pour a glass and read on!
Contents
Health Benefits of Orange Juice
There are enormous health benefits of drinking orange juice. Since this citrus fruit has been discovered for its high juiced content, it has been used to stave of scurvy and other vitamin deficient scourges. Let’s talk about some of the best nutrition facts about orange juice.
The best ingredients in oranges include: Vitamin C, B6, A, D, potassium, hesperidin (antioxidant), magnesium, thiamin (cell growth), calcium, and folate (heart health). One 8 fluid ounce glass of orange juice is the equivalent to consuming 1 cup of fruit.
- Heart health: keeping your cardiovascular muscle in tip-top shape is important to live. Oranges naturally have a high level of folate, which is an essential nutrient for keeping our hearts healthy.
- Immune system: orange juice helps to support a healthy immune system. Vitamin D and C are helpful in caring for your immune system.
- Kidney and bone health: Magnesium and calcium assist the body in absorbing iron from other foods, which in turn supports kidney health and bone health. Vitamin D and calcium also support strong bones.
- Reduce inflammation: The antioxidants hesperidin and thiamin reduce inflammation in the body.
- Blood sugar level: orange juice is also proven to help regulate a healthy blood sugar level.
How is OJ made?
Orange juice is made through an extraction process that separates the useful parts of an orange fruit.
- First, the oranges are removed from their trees or gathered from falling off.
- Next, the fruit is thoroughly cleaned.
- The oranges are then sorted by size and shape after being washed.
- Next the juice is extracted and filtered.
- The orange peel is removed from any pulp and later processed for orange oil. Orange oil is used for flavoring, medicinal, and insect repellent purposes.
- After the pulp and juice are extracted in mechanical squeezers separately.
- They are then sterilized and homogenized, also referred to as pasteurization. Pasteurization does remove some nutrients. However, pasteurization of orange juice in a large-scale production is essential to remove yeasts and molds that could grown unwanted bacteria during a juices shelf life.
- Finally, the juice and whatever amount of pulp being used is mixed together and poured into bottles.
- The bottles of orange juice are then cooled and stored before being shipped out to a store near you.
Orange Growers Impact on the Earth
The environmental impact of growing oranges and other citrus fruits is a positive one for our Earth’s ecosystems. In Florida, modern citrus groves create habitats for over 159 species of wildlife. The vast amount of citrus tree groves also produces over 16 tons of breathable oxygen every year. These are impressive numbers of positive environmental impact from growing oranges. Makes me want to support growers and the Earth by drinking more OJ.
Where are Oranges Grown?
Citrus grows best on lands close to the equator. Orange fruits love a warm and sunny place to thrive. The orange fruit originates from Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. Italian later cultivated and mutated the fruit to make new varieties.
Here in the USA the majority of our oranges and orange juices come from the state of Florida. Spanish explorers planted the first orange trees in Florida in the late 1500’s. The majority of our juice is made from a combination of Navel, Hamlin, Pineapple, Amber-sweet and Valencia oranges from Florida. The harvest time in Florida for these varieties is between October to June. With such a long harvest time frame, it is no wonder you can purchase orange juice year-round.
Vegan Orange Juice Brands
All orange juices should be vegan. The majority of orange juice brands only have one ingredient: Oranges. If buying your orange juice in the USA, your orange juice most likely comes from Florida. Florida oranges have been found to be sweeter and juicier when compared with California grown oranges. These are the best brands of orange juice available for purchase:
- Tropicana Pure Premium OJ
- Uncle Matt’s Organic Orange Juice
- Minute Maid Premium Original Orange Juice
- Florida’s Natural Orange Juice, Some Pulp
- Trader Joe’s Organic Orange Juice, No Pulp
- Orchard Island Juice Company Natalie’s Orange Juice
- Simply, Light Orange Juice
Orange Juice Nutritional Information
Tropicana Pure Premium OJ
Here are the ingredients for Tropicana Pure Premium OJ:
- 100% Pure and Natural Orange Juice
Nutrition Facts (per 10 fl oz):
- Calories 140
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 33g
- Sugars 28g
- Potassium 560mg
- Protein 2g
There are 140 calories 10 fluid ounces of Tropicana Pure Premium OJ.
Uncle Matt’s Organic Orange Juice
Here is the ingredient list for Uncle Matt’s Organic Orange Juice:
- Organic Orange Juice
Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):
- Calories 110
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 26g
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 2g
- Potassium 480mg
There are 110 calories in 8 fluid ounces of Uncle Matt’s Organic Orange Juice. Uncle Matt’s Organic Orange Juice is made with a blend of Hamlin and Valencia orange varietals. This certified organic orange juice supports family-owned farms. Uncle Matt’s is also kosher and vegan.
Minute Maid Premium Original Orange Juice
The ingredients for Minute Maid Premium Original Orange Juice:
- Premium Concentrated Orange Juice
- Pure Filtered Water
Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):
- Calories 110
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 27g
- Sugars 24g
- Potassium 450mg
- Protein 2g
There are 110 calories 8 fluid ounces of Minute Maid Premium Original Orange Juice. Minute Maid Premium Original Orange Juice is a low pulp and pasteurized juice. Minute Maid does not ass sugar to its orange juices.
Florida’s Natural Orange Juice, Some Pulp
The ingredients in Florida’s Natural Orange Juice, Some Pulp are:
- Premium Orange Juice
Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):
- Calories 110
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 26g
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 2g
- Potassium 450mg
There are 110 calories in 8 fluid ounces of Florida’s Natural Orange Juice, Some Pulp. Florida’s Natural Orange Juice, Some Pulp is made with 100% premium Florida oranges. This orange juice is a non-GMO product.
Trader Joe’s Organic Orange Juice, No Pulp
The ingredients in Trader Joe’s Organic Orange Juice, No Pulp are:
- Organic Orange Juice
Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):
- Calories 110
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 26g
- Sugars 22g
- Potassium 450mg
- Protein 2g
There are 110 calories in 8 fluid ounces of Trader Joe’s Organic Orange Juice, No Pulp. Trader Joe’s Organic Orange Juice, No Pulp is made from a cold pressed orange juice.
Orchard Island Juice Company Natalie’s Orange Juice
The ingredients for Orchard Island Juice Company Natalie’s Orange Juice are:
- Florida Oranges
Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):
- Calories 110
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 26g
- Sugars 21g
- Potassium 269mg
- Protein 2g
There are 110 calories in 8 fluid ounces of Orchard Island Juice Company Natalie’s Orange Juice. Orchard Island Juice Company uses only Florida oranges to make Natalie’s Orange Juice.
Simply, Light Orange Juice
Here are the ingredients of Simply, Light Orange Juice:
- Orange Juice
- Pure Filtered Water
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
- Natural Orange Flavors
- Citric Acid
- Calcium Phosphate
- Calcium Lactate
- Vitamin D3
- Citrus Pectin
- Stevia Leaf Extract
- Beta Carotene
Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):
- Calories 50
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 12g
- Sugars 11g
- Potassium 190mg
- Protein 1g
There are 50 calories 8 fluid ounces of Simply, Light Orange Juice. Simply brand of Light Orange Juice is full of calcium and vitamin D. It has 50% less sugar and calories as standard orange juice.
Takeaways
Based on this list of store-bought orange juices we can conclude a few things. The first 5 orange juices listed are incredibly similar in nutritional value. Tropicana Pure Premium OJ, Uncle Matt’s Organic Orange Juice, Minute Maid Premium Original Orange Juice, Florida’s Natural Orange Juice (Some Pulp), Trader Joe’s Organic Orange Juice (No Pulp), and Orchard Island Juice Company Natalie’s Orange Juice all contain similar carbohydrate and sugar levels. And Uncle Matt’s and Tropicana tie for the highest potassium levels in their orange juices.
The healthiest orange juice option on the market is the Simply brand of Light Orange Juice. Simply Light Orange contains no added sugar and carbohydrates than the other 5 listed brands. Simply Light Orange also has half the calories per fluid ounce than the other leading 5 brands of OJ. Orange juice is vegan. When it comes to the best option for OJ our choice is Simply Light Orange Juice.
Related Questions
Is Orange Juice Good for Diabetics?
Typical orange juice is high on the glycemic index scale and should be avoided on a regular basis by diabetics. Orange juice can be used to help regulate blood sugar levels when needed.
Is Orange Juice Gluten-Free?
Yes, orange juice is considered gluten-free. However, you should always opt for certified gluten-free brands if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac.
Is Orange Juice Keto approved?
The short answer is no. I would steer clear of orange and many other fruit juices on a keto diet. The high sugar content would throw your system right out of ketosis.