10 “healthy” juice brands that are just as bad for you as Coke

Everyone knows Coca-Cola and soda are bad for you, Coke contains 10.6g of sugar per 100ml or 7 teaspoons. But ‘healthy’ alternatives that many brands try to push can actually be just as bad for you, and some of these are even owned by Pepsico and Coca-Cola! Juice, in particular, is excessively high in sugar which can cause problems with blood sugar balance and insulin resistance possibly leading to diabetes or hyperglycemia.

10 Juice Brands as Bad as Coke

These are some of the most popular blood-sugar-raising culprits. You’ll want to think twice before adding these to a smoothie.

1. Tropicana

Pure Original Orange Juice contains 23g of sugar per 250ml (9.2g/100ml).

2. Dole

Pineapple juice contains 22g per 175ml (12.5g/100ml), and the 100% pure orange juice contains 23g per 240ml (9.5g/100ml)

3. Naked Juice

Ranges from 34g per 450ml (7.5g/100ml) in Berry Veggie and Kale Blazer to 49g per 450ml (10.8g/100ml) in Orange Carrot flavor on the veggie side. On the juice side, it ranges from 26g per 450ml (5.8g/100ml) for Peachy Almond to 61g per 450ml (13.6g/100ml) in Pomegranate Blueberry.

4. Minute Maid

100% Orange Juice contains 25g per 250ml (10g/100ml) and the Fruit Punch has 23g per 250ml (9.2g/100ml).

5. Vitamin Water

Ranges from 29-32g per 591ml (4.9-5.4g/100ml), while the Zero brand has no sugar or calories.

6. Blueprint Juice Cleanse

Green Juice is the most popular and contains 24g per 473ml (5.1g/100ml), while other flavors like Cranberry contain a lot more at 51g per 473ml (10.7/100ml).

7. Ocean Spray

100% Cranberry Juice has 23g per 250ml (9.2g/100ml).

8. Odwalla

Mango Tango Smoothie contains 55g per 449ml (12.2/100ml), while the Vanilla Protein Shake has 43g per 449ml (9.5g/100ml).

9. Allen’s

100% Pure Apple Juice has 25g per 250ml (10g/100ml).

10. Welch’s

Grape Juice contains 36g per 240ml (15g/100ml).

Juice & High Blood Sugar

Early symptoms of high blood sugar can be increased thirst, frequent or increased volume in urination, weight loss or fatigue. If prolonged, it can eventually lead to skin infections, slow healing cuts and sores, stomach/intestinal problems, and damage to nerves, eyes, blood vessels, or kidneys. Be sure to consult your doctor if any of these persist.

A normal blood sugar level is considered less than 100mg/deciliter after not eating for 8 hours and less than 140mg/dL 2 hours after eating. 60-90mg/dL is also normal when they are lowest before meals.

High blood sugar essentially acts like a poison to your body, slowly taking away the ability of cells in the pancreas to create insulin. The organ can overcompensate causing insulin levels to stay high which can lead to permanent damage in the pancreas.

How To Pick the Right Juice

What you should be aware of when it comes to picking a juice are words like puree, and ingredients such as cane sugar, high in fruits and low servings of veggies.

Puree is a creamy paste or liquid made through crushed fruits and vegetables. It is higher in calories and often has added sugar compared to fresh fruit in a ¼ of the cup.

Cane sugar is the pure, unrefined form of sugar that comes from the cane plant. Although many try to claim that it is healthier than the refined types, there is little to no difference between the two other than variations in taste. Limiting sugar in general is your best bet.

Fruits are really high in sugar, but when they are fresh the water dilutes the sugar intake. In juice form, this doesn’t happen and you are left with the sugar and the taste. So look for juices with more vegetables than fruit, as a lot of brands will try to mix in more fruit to hide the taste of the vegetables.

Although these brands may have some health benefits, the amount of sugar hidden in each is eye-opening. Just remember to always keep things in moderation and avoid overindulging. And of course, drinking more water instead is never a bad idea!