A recent study has found that consuming 100% fruit juice is associated with healthier diet choices and does not reduce the intake of whole fruit. The research, published on August 21, 2025, examined how people consume 100% fruit juice and diluted juice, aiming to better understand its relationship to overall diet quality.
Researchers analyzed 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 dataset: “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 dietary guidelines recommend specific amounts of 100% fruit juice based on age. These recommendations are set by both the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 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, drinking 100% fruit juice does not take away from whole fruit consumption but instead helps people reach their total recommended fruit intake. It also assists populations who may have difficulty accessing or affording whole fruits by filling important nutrient gaps. An eight-ounce glass of 100% orange juice provides nutrients such as folate, thiamin, potassium and vitamin C.
The Florida Department of Citrus is responsible for marketing, research and regulation related to Florida’s citrus industry. According to its website (https://www.floridacitrus.org/newsroom/), it is funded by a tax paid by growers per box of citrus moved through commercial channels. The department states that more than 32,500 people work in the industry which has an annual economic impact of $6.9 billion on Florida’s economy.
For more information about this study or to schedule an interview with Dr. Rosa Walsh or Jennifer Hillis, MS, RD, LDN, contact fnews@citrus.myflorida.com or call 863-255-0136.
