What is the Difference Between Fruit Juice and Fruit Nectar?

The main difference between fruit juice and fruit nectar lies in the fruit content and the presence of additional sugar or sweeteners. Here are the key differences:

• Fruit Juice: To be classified as fruit juice, the drink must have a 100% fruit content, and no additional sugar or sweeteners are allowed. Fruit juice is made from either fruits or vegetables and tends to have a higher degree of clarity than nectar.
• Fruit Nectar: Fruit nectar is a drink made from fruit juice or pulp, water, and sugar or honey. The fruit content in nectar is between 25% and 50%, depending on the type of fruit. Nectar may also contain additional ingredients, such as natural or artificial sweeteners and preservatives. The texture of fruit nectar is thicker than that of fruit juice due to the presence of fruit pulp.

In some countries, the beverage industry distinguishes nectars from drinks labeled as "juice". For example, in the United States and the United Kingdom, the term "fruit juice" is restricted to beverages that are 100% pure juice, whereas a "nectar" may be diluted with water and contain additives besides fruit juice. In New Zealand, the usage is reversed, with "juice" denoting a sweetened fruit drink, whereas nectar refers to pure fruit.

Comparative Table: Fruit Juice vs Fruit Nectar

The main difference between fruit juice and fruit nectar lies in their fruit content and added sweeteners. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

Fruit juice has a higher fruit content and does not contain added sugars, while fruit nectar has a lower fruit content and may contain added sugar or honey to improve its taste and texture. Fruit nectar is typically thicker than fruit juice due to its higher fruit pulp content.