Ingredient

Vegetable Juice Concentrate

Positive in 2 products Neutral in 1

What is Vegetable Juice Concentrate?

Vegetable Juice Concentrate is made by extracting the juice from various vegetables and then reducing it to a concentrate by removing water. This process retains most of the nutritious elements found in the original vegetables, including vitamins and minerals.

It is commonly used in food and beverage products to enhance flavor, add nutritional value, and sometimes as a natural colorant. The health effects of vegetable juice concentrates depend largely on the vegetables used and the concentration. Overall, it's generally considered a nutritious addition, although the concentration process can result in a loss of some nutrients.

When you see it listed on a label, it suggests that the product contains an added boost of vegetables, but it's good to be aware of the specific vegetables used if this information is available.

Commonly found in: juices, smoothies, sauces, soups, snack bars, bottled water

Benefits

May enhance the nutritional content of foods with additional vitamins and minerals.
Serves as a natural flavor enhancer and sometimes as a colorant.

FDA

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used appropriately in food products.

Research

Research supports the nutritional benefits of consuming vegetables; however, some nutrient loss can occur during concentration.

Vegan

Vegetable Juice Concentrate is derived from plant sources and is suitable for a vegan diet.

Sources: Overview of Vegetable Juice Concentrates

Scout's take

Vegetable juice concentrate is used for natural coloring, derived from vegetables. It is a cleaner alternative to artificial dyes. However, it does not contribute significant nutritional benefits.