In my July 6 article I stated that Lassonde believes that 100% pure fruit juice remains a healthy choice for achieving nutrition goals. The U.S. government has just released the latest update of its Dietary Guidelines, which reiterates the relevance of 100% fruit juice as part of a healthy diet.

In my July 6 article I stated that Lassonde believes that 100% pure fruit juice remains a healthy choice for achieving nutrition goals.

We wanted to share the news with you, knowing that sooner or later it might result in some sort of influence on Canadian eating habits. Our modern diet being such a complex issue, why not bet on obvious, easy and affordable solutions!

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans confirm 100% fruit juice as healthy choice

Published on January 7, this latest update of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines (2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans) recommends that beverages like 100% fruit juice, which contain key nutrients for a healthy diet, remain one of the healthy choices for consumers.

The Dietary Guidelines report is designed to help individuals and families adhere to a healthy and nutritious diet. Thus it recognizes one cup of 100% fruit juice as equivalent to a serving of fruit. Overall, the Guidelines emphasize healthy eating patterns that include nutrient-dense foods such as whole fruit and fruit juice, rather than focusing on individual nutrients.

In an article published on the Juice Central website, Diane Welland, a registered dietician with the Juice Product Association, adds: «Intake patterns show that the U.S. population currently consumes one-third of fruit in the form of fruit juice with the remaining two-thirds as whole fruit, yet according the Dietary Guidelines report, three-fourths of Americans still don’t consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. One hundred percent juice is a simple way to get more fruit into the American diet.»

Pure fruit and vegetable juices contain important nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. When choosing beverages, both the calories and nutrients should be the primary considerations.

We are pleased with the fact that our southern neighbours confirm 100% fruit juice as healthy food contributing to healthy eating habits and we are proud to be a supplier of relevant and quality food products for all Canadians.

Sasithorn Tajchakavit, Ph.D., CFS
Scientific Director