Healthiest Store-Bought Juices

Juice often gets conflicting opinions—some see it as a healthy option, while others view it as overly sugary. In reality, it can be either, depending on the type you choose. Knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) is key to picking a nutritious option.

What Makes a Juice Healthy?

Juice can be a convenient way to add nutrients to your diet. However, many beverages labeled as “juice” are actually juice drinks or cocktails, meaning they contain only a portion of real juice along with added ingredients like sugar or artificial additives.

The best choices share a few important qualities:

No added sugar: While all juice contains natural sugars from fruit or vegetables, added sugars are linked to conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Natural sugars are preferable because they come with beneficial nutrients.

No artificial ingredients: Avoid products with preservatives, artificial flavors, or synthetic colors.

High in antioxidants: These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic diseases.

Rich in vitamins and minerals: A good juice should provide meaningful amounts of essential nutrients.

Below are six nutritious juice options commonly found in supermarkets. These are based on 100% juice without added sugars (any sugar mentioned is naturally occurring).

Pomegranate Juice

Unlike most juices, pomegranate juice is made from the fruit’s seeds. These contain powerful plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Research suggests it may:

Help lower blood pressure

Reduce diabetes risk

Slow tumor growth

Beet Juice

Also known as beetroot juice, this drink is popular among athletes due to its nitrate content, which helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. It may enhance endurance and performance.

It’s also rich in potassium—about 700 mg per cup—supporting blood pressure control and fluid balance.

Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to:

Lower risk of heart disease

Better blood sugar control

Reduced bone loss

Lower prostate cancer risk

It’s also lower in sugar and carbs compared to many juices, making it a smart choice for people monitoring blood sugar. However, watch for sodium levels and choose low-sodium varieties when possible.

Orange Juice

Although higher in natural sugar, orange juice is still nutritious. It’s especially known for its vitamin C content—one cup provides more than 100% of daily needs.

Vitamin C helps:

Support the immune system

Protect cells from damage

Aid collagen production

Improve iron absorption

Its popularity is also due to its wide availability in stores everywhere.

Prune Juice

Most juices lack fiber, but prune juice retains a small amount. This makes it helpful for relieving constipation. It also contains sorbitol, which draws water into the intestines and softens stool.

Beyond digestion, prune juice provides vitamin C, potassium, and several B vitamins.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols. It may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by stopping bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. It may also support kidney health.

If pure cranberry juice tastes too tart, try mixing it with sparkling water or other unsweetened juices for a milder flavor.

Potential Downsides of Juice

One major drawback of juice is its lack of fiber. Even juices that contain some fiber don’t compare to whole fruits. Fiber is essential because it:

Supports digestion

Helps regulate blood sugar

Lowers cholesterol

Reduces the risk of certain diseases

Since juice is less filling, it’s easy to consume excess calories, which may contribute to weight gain. For maximum nutrition, whole fruits and vegetables are still the better option.

Tips for Choosing the Best Juice

To make healthier choices at the store, keep these tips in mind:

Pick 100% juice: This ensures no added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Check nutrient content: Look for juices that provide at least 10–20% of the daily value for key vitamins or minerals.

Consider antioxidants: While not always listed, nutrients like vitamin C, selenium, and lycopene indicate antioxidant content.

Bottom Line

Juice can be part of a healthy diet if you choose wisely. The best options are 100% juice with no added sugar and plenty of nutrients. Next time you’re shopping, consider options like tomato, beet, or cranberry juice—they’re among the most nutritious choices available.