Is Fruit Juice Good For Kids?

Since my girls were able to drink from a beaker I have given them water, for LJ this is still the case but Little G will sometimes have a bit of squash in her cup. But why? Well quite honestly I have been scared stiff by the stories you hear about teeth rotting!! Nobody wants that do they?

Tropicana asked Nutritionist Fiona Hunter to answer some questions about fruit juice, to see what her view is- is fruit juice good for kids?

At what age can I start to introduce juice into my baby’s diet?

Fruit juice can be introduced into a baby’s diet after 6 months, but at this age I’d recommend diluting it with water to a ratio of about 1 part juice to 10 parts water.

How much juice should kids be drinking as a guide?

One small glass (approximately 150ml) of 100% fruit juice will count as one of their recommended 5 portions of fruit and/or veg a day and we know that many children (and adults) struggle to reach this minimum target. In fact, only 10% of boys and 7% of girls aged 11-18 reach their 5 a day1. Fruit juice also contains other important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium and folate.

Is there a best time of day to give children juice?

The best time of day is with meals, particularly with meals based on plant foods such as fortified cereals, some beans, lentils and spinach as the vitamin C in juice helps the body to absorb iron from these sources. Iron is a mineral which is important for healthy blood. Research shows that females in particular have low intakes of iron and 46% of girls aged 11-18 do not meet minimum dietary requirements.

Does juice contain added sugars which are bad for kids’ teeth?

Look for 100% pure unsweetened juices as they only contain naturally occurring sugars from the fruit – some juice drinks do contain added sugars. Studies have shown that the dental health impact of drinking fruit juice is no different to eating whole fruit or dried fruit when consumed at the same level of frequency.

As with all foods and drinks which contain fermentable carbohydrate including sugars, juice should be consumed in moderation to help reduce risk of dental health issues.

If you prefer making juice at home, using the best slow juicer can help retain more nutrients and reduce oxidation — giving your kids a fresher, healthier option. It can also be a good idea to dilute juice and give it to your kids with a straw, as this helps reduce contact between juice and the teeth.

Encourage them not to swish it around their mouths and ensure they brush their teeth at least twice a day and have regular dental check-ups.

Will drinking juice lead to weight gain?

Weight gain is a result of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. An excess of total calories (from any food or drink source), which if not balanced with sufficient physical activity, can lead to weight gain. A small (150ml) glass of 100% fruit juice contains between 60-80 Calories depending on the type you choose, but it also provides other important nutrients and will count as one of their 5 a day. Research in both the UK and US has indicated that drinking juice is not independently associated with being overweight or obese in adults or children, however juice should be consumed in moderation and as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Is juice as good as whole fruit and veg?

Juice contains less fibre than whole fruit and veg therefore it can only be counted as one of your 5 a day regardless of how much you or your kids drink, however it has a similar range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Different fruits and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals, which all form part of a balanced diet, so it’s important to encourage your kids to enjoy a variety of foods and beverages.

Which fruit juice is the most nutritious?

All 100% fruit juices will count as one of your 5 a day, but the vitamins and minerals they contain differ slightly depending on the fruit variety. A recent study found that orange juice and other citrus juices like grapefruit are the most nutrient rich juices. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C which helps maintain a healthy immune system and healthy skin and gums. It is also a source of folate (a B vitamin) which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue and potassium which is needed for normal muscle function and for the nervous system as well as helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

What’s the difference between not-from-concentrate juice and juice made from concentrate?

For most people it is a question of personal preference and taste. Juice from concentrate has water removed at source (i.e. where the fruit is harvested and processed) and then it’s added back later on. Some people believe that juice which is not from concentrate has a better flavour than juice which is made from concentrate.

Well I don’t know about you but I found that all fascinating! I did not know the difference between concentrate and not and it is good to know that juice counts towards one of their 5 a day as Little G is not great at eating fruit!

I am really excited to be able to offer you the chance to win a fab bundle from Tropicana. Their new Essentials range is packed full of vitamins so you know you will be getting the most from your juice!

In the bundle you will get:

• Tropicana Essentials Multivitamins (850ml)
• Tropicana Essentials Fruit & Veg Mango, Passionfruit & Pumpkin (850ml)
• Tropicana Essentials Calcium (850ml)
• Tropicana Kids Orange (4x 200ml cartons with a straw)

Good luck!