Many parents wonder if juice is good for their children. The short answer from children's health experts: a little, with a meal, and whole fruit is better.
Under 1 year: no juice
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the main group of children's doctors in the US, says fruit juice gives babies under a year old no nutritional benefit. The NHS agrees that babies under 12 months do not need juice or smoothies. If you do give some, the NHS says to mix one part juice with 10 parts water, and only at mealtimes.
Ages 1 to 6: a small glass
For children aged 1 to 6, the Academy suggests no more than 120 to 180ml of juice a day, and whole fruit instead where possible.
From 5 years old
The NHS says children can drink juice without water added from the age of 5. For older children and adults, it suggests no more than 150ml of juice and smoothies a day in total.
Why with a meal?
Juice has natural sugar that can harm teeth. The NHS says that having juice and smoothies at mealtimes, not between meals, helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Whole fruit comes first
Juice gives no benefit over whole fruit, the Academy says, and whole fruit also gives fibre. A piece of fruit is the better everyday choice, and juice is a treat or a part of a meal.
At Juicy
If you bring children to Juicy, the sugar in every drink is listed on getjuicy.vn/nutri, so you can choose before you order. A 360ml bottle is two servings, so one bottle is easy to share. Our smoothies are blended from whole fruit, so the fibre stays in.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), Where We Stand: Fruit Juice; NHS, Drinks and cups for babies and young children; NHS, 5 A Day: what counts.
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