Orange Juice Exposed: Rating The Best and Worst Supermarket Orange Juices!
Kids drinking orange juice
As parents, we’re often told that fruit juice is a healthy choice for children because it’s made from fruit. While it might seem like an easy way to boost their fruit intake, the reality is that fruit juice—especially when consumed regularly—is not always the best choice.
Orange juice is often marketed as a healthy, wholesome drink, but not all supermarket options live up to the claims. Many orange juices on Australian shelves are filled with added sugars, preservatives, and even flavourings and colours, making them far from the natural, nutrient-rich beverage they’re often portrayed as. These additives not only strip away the goodness of real oranges but also introduce unnecessary additives into your child’s diet, which can contribute to behavioural issues, tooth decay, and long-term health risks.
If you’re going to give your child orange juice, it’s essential to choose one that is 100% natural with no added sugars, flavours, or preservatives. Look for labels that explicitly state "100% juice" and avoid phrases like “ contains real fruit”, "juice drink" or "fruit beverage," as these often indicate added ingredients. Even better, freshly squeezed orange juice at home is the best way to ensure your little one is getting pure, natural nutrients without the hidden nasties.
By understanding what to look for on labels and choosing natural options, you can confidently offer orange juice as an occasional treat while prioritising your child’s overall health. Using my real food rating system, I have ranked some of our supermarket’s best and worst orange juices.
Understanding the Real Food Rating System vs. Health Star Rating
As a paediatric nutritionist, I’ve long advocated for a more comprehensive approach to evaluating the foods and beverages we give our children. Brands often use the Health Star Rating system as a marketing tool to promote their products to unsuspecting consumers. The Health Star Rating does not take into consideration the overall nutrient profile of a product, and it paints an incomplete picture of nutritional quality. This is especially apparent with fruit juices, which can earn high Health Star Ratings simply for containing fruit, without accounting for the added sugars and preservatives that are often added into these products as this is cheaper than using “ real”.
The Real Food Rating system offers a more holistic evaluation of products, focusing on:
Whole food ingredients
Minimal processing
Absence of artificial additives
Sugar content (both natural and added)
Fibre content
Overall nutritional density
This approach highlights the differences between minimally processed, high-quality juices and those that contain similar nutrient profiles to sugary drinks.
Rating My Top 3 Orange Juices in Australian Supermarkets
1. Nudie Nothing But Oranges - Real Food Rating: 4.5/5
100% whole Aussie oranges
No added sugar or preservatives
Non-GMO
$6.50 per 1 Litre
2. Impressed Pressed Orange Juice - Real Food Rating: 4/5
Cold-pressed juice (which retains the most vitamins)
No added sugar or preservatives
$4.80 per 1 Litre
3. The Juice Brothers - Real Food Rating: 4/5
100% whole Aussie oranges
No added sugar or preservatives
$5 per 1 Litre
Rating My 3 Worst Orange Juices in Australian Supermarkets
Daily Juice Orange Juice - Real Food Rating 2/5
Reconstituted fruit juice ( this is a processed and heat-treated juice that loses much of its goodness)
Preservative 202 (potassium sorbate) - can trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions in sensitive individuals. Hyperactivity, skin irritation, stomach upsets. Prohibited in food for infants.
Acidity regulator
Natural flavours
$4.80 per 1 Litre
Golden Circle Orange Juice Drink (Real Food Rating: 2/5)
Reconstituted fruit juice (this is a processed and heat-treated juice that loses much of its goodness)
Contains added sugar
Contains food acides
Contains natural flavours
$2.70 for 1 Litre
Cottee's Orange Cordial Orange Crush With 40% Fruit Juice Bottle 1l - Real Food Rating: 0.5/5
Reconstituted Orange Juice (40%) (this is a processed and heat-treated juice that loses much of its goodness)
Added sugar
Preservatives
Sodium Benzoate ( Children should avoid sodium benzoate because it can potentially trigger hyperactivity and behavioural issues, and may contribute to long-term health risks.
Sodium Metabisulphite (Children should avoid sodium metabisulphite because it can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and sensitivities, particularly in those with asthma or sulphite intolerance)
Thickener sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Children should avoid sodium carboxymethylcellulose as it may disrupt gut health by altering the gut microbiome and potentially contributing to inflammation and digestive issues)
Natural colours carmine and lutein (Carmine, a natural colour derived from cochineal insects, can cause allergic reactions in some children and raises ethical concerns for families avoiding animal-derived products)
Natural flavours
In my opinion, this product should be banned, or there should be a warning for parents!
Fruit Juice and Young Children: Why Limits Matter
Even the best-rated orange juices come with a caveat: they’re still concentrated sources of sugar with minimal fiber. Here's why moderation is critical for young children:
Sugar Content
Even 100% pure fruit juice can contain as much sugar as a soft drink.
Without fibre to slow absorption, natural sugars in juice can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes, dental decay, and weight gain.
2. Missing Nutrients
Juicing removes the fibre and many nutrients found in whole fruit.
Juice doesn’t provide the same satiety as eating an orange or mandarin, potentially leading to overconsumption.
3, Recommended Limits
Under 12 months: No juice
1–3 years: Maximum 120ml x 3 times weekly
4–6 years: Maximum 180ml x 3 times weekly
Always dilute with water in a 1:1 ratio or 2: 1 ratio
My Favourite Ways to Offer Fruit Juice
Instead of juice, consider these healthier options:
Offer whole fruits like oranges or mandarins for natural sweetness and fibre.
Infuse water with fresh orange slices for a subtle, refreshing flavour.
Blend whole oranges into smoothies to retain fibre and nutrients.
Freeze diluted juice into ice blocks for an occasional summer treat.
Final Thoughts…
The Real Food Rating system empowers parents to make informed decisions by looking beyond marketing claims and simplistic health ratings. While some orange juices may score well under this system, whole fruits should always remain the gold standard for young children. By focusing on minimally processed, natural options and limiting juice intake, you’ll be supporting your child’s health and setting them up for lifelong healthy eating habits.
Want to learn more about navigating kids’ nutrition? Follow me on Instagram or sign up for my newsletter for tips, recipes, and expert advice! Or join my upcoming webinar, Smart Shopping with Mandy: Cut Through the Marketing Hype! You will discover my top picks and get exclusive tips to navigate the supermarket like a pro. Plus, every participant will receive a comprehensive shopping guide with my top picks to make your next trip a breeze. Sign up now and start making smarter choices for your family! Places are limited, and the Early Bird special expires on the 30th of November.