The Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans consume nine servings (about 4.5 cups) of fruits and vegetables a day. Fruit and vegetable juices can count toward your intake, as long as the majority of fruit and vegetable servings come from whole foods.

Most 100% juices are a natural source of potassium, folate and antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene. Many fruit and vegetable juices are also a source of phytochemicals, substances found in plants that may have health-protective effects. And, because juices are derived from fruit, they naturally contain fructose, a simple sugar found in fruit that provides carbohydrates and calories (energy).

Juices are available in many varieties including fresh-squeezed, pulp-free, home-squeezed, not-from-concentrate, concentrate, flavor blends, fortified, and those that contain functional ingredients, such as plant sterols.

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