To find a juice with no preservatives and no added sugar, read the ingredient list, not the front of the pack: a true 100% juice lists only fruit juice (and sometimes vitamin C). Shelf-stable juice can be preservative-free because heat treatment and sealed packaging keep it safe. “No added sugar” still means natural fruit sugar, typically 9–15 g per 100 ml.
What do common juice label claims mean?
| Claim | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 100% juice | Only fruit juice; may be NFC or from concentrate | Ingredient list shows fruit juice only |
| No added sugar | No sugars or sweetening ingredients added | Natural sugar is still present |
| No preservatives | No sorbates, benzoates or similar added | Safety comes from pasteurisation or UHT |
| Sugar-free | 0.5 g sugar or less per 100 ml (EU/UK) | Usually contains sweeteners |
| Nectar / juice drink | Less than 100% juice, often with added sugar | Juice percentage on the label |
| NFC | Not from concentrate | See NFC juice explained |
How can juice last without preservatives?
- Heat treatment: pasteurisation or UHT kills spoilage organisms.
- Aseptic or hot filling: juice is packed in sterile conditions.
- Sealed packaging: cans, glass and aseptic cartons keep air and microbes out.
- Natural acidity: most fruit juices are acidic, which slows microbial growth.
Once opened, keep juice in the fridge and finish it within a few days.
Are preservatives and sweeteners harmful?
Approved preservatives and sweeteners are considered safe within set daily limits by food safety authorities such as EFSA and the US FDA. Many shoppers still prefer to avoid them, which is why “no preservatives” and “no added sugar” are popular choices. The bigger health issue for most people is total sugar: the WHO advises keeping free sugars, including fruit-juice sugars, under 10% of daily energy.
What should you look for when choosing juice?
- Check the ingredient list for fruit juice only.
- Compare sugar per 100 ml; 100% juices are usually 9–15 g.
- Look for the juice percentage on nectars and drinks.
- Keep to about 150 ml of juice a day for adults.
- Choose smaller packs to avoid waste once opened.
More: is bottled fruit juice good for you? and NFC vs from concentrate.
No-added-sugar juices from ACM
ACM produces 100% juices and NFC no-sugar-added juice drinks, for example NFC no-sugar-added soursop and NFC no-sugar-added mango, plus 100% pure juices in the fruit juice range. Exact ingredients are shown on each product specification.
Frequently asked questions
Does “no added sugar” mean sugar-free?
No. It means no sugar was added; natural fruit sugar remains.
Can canned juice be preservative-free?
Yes. Heat treatment and sealed cans keep it safe without preservatives.
Is juice from concentrate full of additives?
Not necessarily. 100% juice from concentrate is just juice with its water restored.
How long does preservative-free juice last after opening?
Usually 3–7 days in the fridge; check the label.
