Juice

Juice is the liquid extracted from fruits or vegetables. It is made by crushing or pressing the produce to release its natural liquids. Juice can be pasteurized for safety and shelf stability, and sometimes concentrated by removing water, then later reconstituted.

Manufacturers use juice as a natural sweetener, flavor enhancer, and coloring agent in foods. It is commonly found in beverages, baked goods, desserts, sauces, and processed fruits and vegetables.

Juice is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It contains natural sugars and is a source of vitamins and minerals. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated juices and their components. While generally considered safe in moderation, high intake of fruit juices, due to their sugar content, may contribute to increased calorie intake.