What is cold-pressed juice?

Juice can be extracted from fruits and vegetables using a variety of methods. Cold-pressed juice is made with a hydraulic press that uses pressure to extract the maximum amount of liquid from fresh fruits and vegetables. Unlike other processing methods, no additional heat or oxygen is used in the process. By keeping the extraction process free of heat, more nutrients are retained. It is important to be mindful and read labels carefully, as raw cold-pressed juice will only remain shelf-stable for a few days. Juices with a longer shelf life typically have undergone a pasteurization process to eliminate potential microbes.

Are juice cleanses healthy?

Though juices may be high in vitamins and minerals, they do not contain an adequate balance of macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) which are the building blocks of life and give energy to function during the day. Juice cleanses are not healthy. They are low in calories, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. In addition, many juices are high in sugar. During cleanses, many people feel hungry, irritable, and weak. Juices should not take the place of a meal, however, they can be enjoyed in addition to a meal or a snack.

What is juice from concentrate?

During processing, water and flavorings from the pulp are removed from fruit juice to produce fruit concentrate. These are then added back at the end of processing, as this ensures the same flavor for each batch as each individual fruit has some variance in its flavor. This concentrate can also be distributed more easily, as it is more compact. Manufacturers are more likely to add artificial flavors or sugars to fruit concentrates, so be sure to read the label. Look for 100% fruit concentrate, as these typically contain the fewest additives.

Is juicing better than buying juice?

Buying bottled juices can be expensive and a source of extra waste. For those looking to save money and lower their carbon footprint, investing in a juicer will add dollars back to your wallet, reduce your plastic consumption, and may even mean juice with more nutrients. Once fruits and vegetables are picked from the tree or soil, their vitamins and minerals begin to degrade over time which is why fresh produce and freshly pressed juice are ideal for optimal nutrient consumption.

8 Best Juices You Can Buy Online, According to a Dietitian

Drinking juice is a great way to up your daily intake of fruits and veggies whether you're on the go or just want an extra serving. The best juices are made with a minimal ingredient list and without artificial additives.

From raw and cold-pressed juices to the endless containers in the juice aisle, there are many different options. However, no matter what juice you're looking for, it's important to be mindful of the amount of sugar in one serving; juices naturally have sugar from the fruits and vegetables they're made of, but there can also be added sugars. To find the best juices, we researched a variety of options, focusing on their nutritional value, flavor, price, availability, and any official certifications they may have.

Here are the best juices, according to a dietitian.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Suja Uber Greens at FreshDirect

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Best Budget:

V8 Low Sodium Vegetable Juice at Amazon

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Best Orange Juice:

Natalie's Orange Juice at FreshDirect

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Best Green Juice:

Evolution Fresh Organic Essential Greens at Amazon

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Best for Kids:

Honest Kids Organic Juice Drink at Amazon

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Best for Muscle Recovery:

R.W. Knudsen Tart Cherry Juice at Amazon

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Best Cranberry:

Lakewood Pure Cranberry at Amazon

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Best Powder:

Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Good source of potassium, vitamin C and K
Organic and non-GMO
Cold Pressed (High Pressure Certified)
Committed to sustainability

Cons

More expensive

Suja’s Uber Greens juice is our top pick for best overall juice, thanks to its national availability, high-quality ingredients, and low sugar content. The 12-ounce size of juice has only 5 grams of naturally occurring sugar and packs a nutrient punch with 25 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin C.

Suja’s juices are organic, non-GMO verified, certified kosher, vegan, and free of gluten, soy, and dairy. This specific juice flavor bottles up cucumber, celery, grapefruit, green chard, green leaf lettuce, lemon, kale, spinach, parsley, peppermint tea, and spearmint tea. "While it is generally better to drink water rather than juice, fresh vegetable and fruit juice can be part of a healthy diet when used in moderation. I recommend choosing a cold-pressed juice that contains more vegetables than fruit."—Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

Suja uses cold-pressing to make their juice, which helps to preserve the nutrients. When it comes to ensuring top food safety, they use High-Pressure Processing, a method of preserving packaged food products using extremely high pressure instead of high heat, which also preserves nutrients. As an added bonus, Suja focuses on sustainability by sourcing from local farms and bottling juices in PETE #1 recyclable and BPA-free bottles.

Price at time of publication: $6 per bottle ($2 per ounce)

Serving size: 1 bottle (354 mL) | Calories: 50 | Total sugar: 5 g (0 g added sugar)

Courtesy of Webstaurant Store

Pros

No refrigeration necessary
Good source of potassium, vitamin A and C

Cons

Contains some additives for shelf stability

The original vegetable juice drink, V8, is the top pick for best budget juice. Buying a bulk 24-pack of V8 cans allows each can to cost less than $1, a steal compared to some other vegetable juices on the market. One can is only 60 calories and has 10 grams of sugar.

Enjoy a can of V8 as a way to replenish nutrients after an intense workout or throw it in your bag for an easy, on-the-go drink. These drinks are shelf-stable, making them a good choice for when your vegetable drawer is running low.

V8 alone is a great option for a bloody mary mocktail, or use it in place of other bloody mary mixes that are packed with tons of sodium and artificial flavors. This juice is also free of artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, gluten and is Non-GMO.

Price at time of publication: $0.64 per can ($0.12 per ounce)

Serving size: 1 can (341 mL) | Calories: 60 | Total sugar: 10 g (0 g added sugar)

Courtesy of Instacart

Pros

Just one ingredient
Non-GMO and have the option to purchase organic variety
Good source of vitamin C

Cons

High in natural sugar

Orange juice is a staple at breakfast for many households. Though delicious and full of vitamin C, one eight-ounce glass of orange juice can contain three times the amount of naturally occurring sugar compared to one small orange, so be mindful when pouring your morning cup of OJ.

When it comes to orange juice, not all brands are created equal. Natalie's Fresh Organic Juice is made with 100 percent organic oranges, and nothing else. This juice is free of preservatives, artificial ingredients, added sugar, and GMOs.

Unlike other orange juices, Natalie’s juices are gourmet pasteurized at the minimum temperature for the minimum amount of time to retain quality, ensuring that the nutrients are still present in the juice. (Note that this means this juice will have a shorter shelf life.) One serving of this orange juice is high in vitamin C, which is known to support immune function and prevent cell damage, and can boost the body’s absorption of iron. So pair this juice with some eggs, which are an iron-rich food!

Price at time of publication: $2 per bottle ($0.25 per ounce)

Serving size: 1 bottle (8 oz) | Calories: 110 | Total sugar: 21 g (0 g added sugar)

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Organic and non-GMO
Simple ingredients
Environmentally conscious
Good source of vitamin K

Cons

Not ideal for those who prefer a sweeter juice

Green juices can be an excellent source of vitamins and minerals when whole fruits and vegetables are not available or not necessarily loved. When choosing a green juice, look for one with mostly vegetables. This will ensure that the overall sugar content is low.

Evolution’s Organic Essential Greens is packed with leafy greens, celery, cucumber and a hint of lime. One eight-ounce serving of this juice packs a pretty potent nutritional punch. containing 25 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, 15 percent of potassium, 6 percent of calcium, and 4 percent of vitamin C and A. One serving contains only 6 grams of sugar and even provides 2 grams of protein, making this an excellent addition to any meal or snack. Note that the full bottle contains 2 servings!

We love that this juice is organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Kosher Certified. In order to maintain nutritional integrity, Evolution Fresh cold-presses their juice, and 82 percent of their produce is grown within 400 miles of the juicery, a win for the environment.

Price at time of publication: $6 per bottle ($0.40 per ounce)

Serving size: 1 bottle (450 mL) | Calories: 70 | Total sugar: 12 g (0 g added sugar)

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Less than 50 cents per box
Organic
Portioned for kids
Good source of vitamin C

Cons

Contains some additives for shelf stability

Introducing whole fruits and vegetables to kids is very important, and though water is undoubtedly the best beverage choice for children, juice boxes in moderation are okay. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children over the age of 2 should have no more than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day.

Many traditional juices targeted at kids contain added sugars and at excessive amounts. The most important thing to look for on a juice box label is that it should include 0 grams of added sugar, as you'd already be getting plenty of sugar from the contained fruits and vegetables. Honest Kids Organic Juice Drink contains no added sugars and less than 10 grams of sugar, almost half the amount of other juice companies. These juices are organic, contain no artificial sweeteners, no GMOs, and are gluten-free.

Price at time of publication: $0.37 each ($0.06 per ounce)

Serving size: 1 box (6 oz) | Calories: 35 | Total sugar: 7 g (0 g added sugar)

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Organic and non-GMO
Committed to sustainablity

Cons

High in natural sugar

Tart cherry juice has gained fame in recent years as a way to help aid muscle recovery after strenuous workouts. The high content of polyphenolic compounds in tart cherry juice has been proposed to lessen muscle damage, reduce levels of pain, and improve recovery in athletes because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

RW Knudsen’s just Tart Cherry Juice is our top pick for best muscle recovery because of its simple ingredients and clean labeling. This juice is made from only filtered water and organic red tart cherry juice from concentrate. One eight-ounce serving of this juice is high in naturally occurring sugar, 26 grams per serving. Use this juice in moderation and as a tool to help recovery after strenuous exercise.

Price at time of publication: $10 per bottle ($0.30 per ounce)

Serving size: 8 oz (240 mL) | Calories: 130 | Total sugar: 26 g (0 g added sugar)

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

All glass container (BPA/BPS/DEHP Free)
Organic and non-GMO
Just one ingredient

Cons

May not be suitable for those who dislike tart flavor

Lakewood Organic keeps their juice simple with one ingredient: organic cranberry juice from fresh-pressed cranberries, not from concentrate. Cranberry juice is tasty on its own or mixed with seltzer for a simple mocktail or afternoon pick-me-up.

Cranberry juice is well known for its proposed ability to help prevent urinary tract infections. The data to support this claim is mixed, and it is unclear whether or not cranberry juice can help as well as or more than antibiotics. Like most other juices, it is best to consume cranberry juice in moderation to prevent excess consumption of sugars.

Price at time of publication: $14 per bottle ($0.44 per ounce)

Serving size: 8 oz (240 mL) | Calories: 80 | Total sugar: 11 g (0 g added sugar)

4.7

Amazon

Pros

Organic and non-GMO
Contains probiotics
40 nutrient-dense greens, sprouts, fruits & veggies

Cons

More expensive
May not be suitable for those who prefer a sweeter taste

On the go or traveling with no refrigerator around? Green powders are a great option for those on the run with no supermarkets or juice spots in sight who still want to get a nice dose of vitamins and minerals. Green powders aren't the sweetest tasting option, which is why many brands add Stevia to their powder to increase palatability.

Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood Juiced Greens Powder is free of any sweeteners and the best overall choice. Featuring 34 raw, organically grown, non-GMO greens, Garden of Life dries their greens at the farm within an hour of harvesting, locking in all of their powerful nutrients.

Price at time of publication: $31 per container ($4.13 per ounce)

Serving size: 1 scoop (6.9 g) | Calories: 25 | Total sugar: 1 g (0 g added sugar)

How We Selected

To come up with this list, we consulted with Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN. When choosing the best juices, we looked at a variety of products with majority minimal to 0 grams added sugar and simple ingredients. In addition, we chose products from brands committed to quality and sustainability. Taste, price, and convenience were also considered when choosing the best juices.

What to Look for in a Juice

Sugar:

All juice will have some sugar on the nutrition label simply because sugar is naturally present in fruits and vegetables. Green juices without fruits will be the lowest sugar options, and juices made from concentrate will be higher in sugar. It is important to note that both added sugars and sugars from fruit juice or juice concentrate affect blood sugar levels similarly and therefore should be considered in the context of your dietary needs. When a fruit is juiced, it is stripped of its fiber; this can cause blood sugar spikes, which is particularly important for those with diabetes to monitor, and in general it should be consumed in moderation.

Keep in mind that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 recommend that you keep your intake of added sugar to less than 10% of your total daily calories, which translates to less than 50 grams of added sugar per day based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars even more to about 25 grams or less per day for women, and 30 grams or less for men.

Ingredients:

Juices are best when they are kept simple. Ingredient lists should contain nothing more than fruits, vegetables, and possibly water. Avoid products with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings. Typically, juices that are shelf stable, rather than refrigerated, will contain some preservatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cold-pressed juice?

Juice can be extracted from fruits and vegetables using a variety of methods. Cold-pressed juice is made with a hydraulic press that uses pressure to extract the maximum amount of liquid from fresh fruits and vegetables. Unlike other processing methods, no additional heat or oxygen is used in the process.
By keeping the extraction process free of heat, more nutrients are retained. It is important to be mindful and read labels carefully, as raw cold-pressed juice will only remain shelf-stable for a few days. Juices with a longer shelf life typically have undergone a pasteurization process to eliminate potential microbes.
Are juice cleanses healthy?

Though juices may be high in vitamins and minerals, they do not contain an adequate balance of macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) which are the building blocks of life and give energy to function during the day.
Juice cleanses are not healthy. They are low in calories, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. In addition, many juices are high in sugar. During cleanses, many people feel hungry, irritable, and weak. Juices should not take the place of a meal, however, they can be enjoyed in addition to a meal or a snack.
What is juice from concentrate?

During processing, water and flavorings from the pulp are removed from fruit juice to produce fruit concentrate. These are then added back at the end of processing, as this ensures the same flavor for each batch as each individual fruit has some variance in its flavor. This concentrate can also be distributed more easily, as it is more compact.
Manufacturers are more likely to add artificial flavors or sugars to fruit concentrates, so be sure to read the label. Look for 100% fruit concentrate, as these typically contain the fewest additives.
Is juicing better than buying juice?

Buying bottled juices can be expensive and a source of extra waste. For those looking to save money and lower their carbon footprint, investing in a juicer will add dollars back to your wallet, reduce your plastic consumption, and may even mean juice with more nutrients. Once fruits and vegetables are picked from the tree or soil, their vitamins and minerals begin to degrade over time which is why fresh produce and freshly pressed juice are ideal for optimal nutrient consumption.

Learn More: The 10 Best Juicers of 2022

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

The products listed in this round-up are items that Sydney Greene would recommend to her clients, friends, and family. Each product has been vetted for quality. She has also read through reviews and product comparisons to choose items that stood out for price and likeability.

The 9 Best Juicers of 2023