Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Orange Juice

Orange juice is a fruit juice made by extracting juice from oranges, commonly sold as fresh-squeezed, 100% juice, or processed blends.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Orange juice is a fruit juice made by extracting juice from oranges, commonly sold as fresh-squeezed, 100% juice, or processed blends. It is known for its vitamin C content, but it also contains natural sugars and very little fibre compared with whole oranges.

What it is

Orange juice is produced by squeezing oranges, and it comes in several forms: fresh-squeezed, pasteurised, from concentrate, not-from-concentrate, and fortified. Some products labelled as orange juice drinks or blends may contain added sugars or only a small percentage of real juice. In Canada, it is widely available in fresh, refrigerated, frozen-concentrate, and shelf-stable forms.

Why it matters

Orange juice is a major source of vitamin C and can also provide potassium and folate. However, it is low in fibre and contains natural sugars, so large or frequent servings can contribute to excess sugar intake. Public-health guidance generally recommends moderate intake rather than large daily servings, and Canadian nutrition guidance treats it as a fruit serving only when it is 100% juice.

Key details

A standard serving for 100% orange juice is commonly 8 fluid ounces (240 mL). For many adults, a moderate amount such as 4–8 ounces per day is commonly advised, with smaller limits for children. Orange juice is acidic due to citric acid, which can contribute to tooth enamel erosion and may be uncomfortable for some people with reflux or sensitive stomachs.

In short

Orange juice is nutritionally dense but lower in fibre than whole oranges.
A standard serving is 8 fluid ounces; moderation is often advised.
It is a major source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
Excess intake can raise calorie and sugar consumption.

Canadian angle

Orange juice is widely sold in Canada in fresh, refrigerated, frozen-concentrate, and shelf-stable forms, and Canadian nutrition guidance generally treats it as fruit serving only when it is 100% juice. Canadian readers may also encounter fortified varieties and products marketed as juice drinks, which can differ substantially in sugar content.

Quick questions

How much orange juice is healthy?

For many adults, a moderate amount such as 4–8 ounces per day is commonly advised, with 8 ounces often treated as a standard serving. Some health sources recommend no more than 8 ounces daily and less for children.

Is orange juice good for you?

Orange juice can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, especially if it is 100% juice with no added sugar. It is less beneficial than whole oranges for fibre and satiety, and too much can raise sugar intake.

What is the acidity of orange juice?

Orange juice is acidic because citrus fruits contain citric acid. Its acidity can contribute to tooth enamel erosion and may be uncomfortable for some people with reflux or sensitive stomachs.

Sources

Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/orange-juice
Supports: General nutrition profile, low fibre, higher sugar than whole oranges, and moderation guidance.
Medical News Today — https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fruit-juice
Supports: Fruit juice intake guidance for adults and children; vitamin C and sugar considerations.
Florida Citrus — https://www.floridacitrus.org/orange-juice-nutrition/recommended-serving-size/
Supports: Standard 8-ounce serving size for 100% orange juice and fruit juice.
WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-orange-juice
Supports: Nutrient profile, moderation advice, and note that pulp adds some fibre.
Heart & Stroke — https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/the-truth-about-juice
Supports: Fruit juice contains natural sugar, should be limited, and is not equivalent to whole fruit.