Fruit juice and 5-a-day

Every country has different dietary recommendations, but one theme is consistent – we are all advised to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables each day.

In many countries, a minimum of five servings of fruit and vegetables is advised and we are sometimes encouraged to eat different coloured fruits and vegetables to get a wide range of nutrients and plant bioactives. But where does fruit juice fit in?

Unfortunately, different countries take different approaches, which can be confusing. Most countries in Europe include a moderate consumption of 100% fruit juice in their recommendations, which reflects scientific data showing that fruit juice can make a contribution to cardiovascular health and provides an excellent source of vitamin C and polyphenols.

In addition, the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations – published in 2023 – now include a daily serving of 100% fruit juice for adults. They also recognise that the "climate impact is generally low’.

Here is our guide to where fruit juice sits within country recommendations for fruits and vegetables.

References

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines in Europe https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/food-based-dietary-guidelines-europe-table-4_en

Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (2023) https://www.norden.org/en/publication/nordic-nutrition-recommendations-2023