100% lychee juice is made only from pressed lychee fruit; raw lychee provides about 71 mg of vitamin C and 15 g of natural sugar per 100 g. Its signature floral, rose-like aroma is delicate and easily damaged by heat, so gentle processing is essential. Many products labelled “lychee drink” contain only 10–30% juice; 100% versions are sweeter and more expensive.
Key facts at a glance
- Sweet and aromatic — one of the sweetest tropical juices.
- Vitamin C is naturally good but declines with heat and storage.
- Aroma loss and pinking are the main quality issues.
- Vietnam is a major lychee grower, notably Bac Giang province (Luc Ngan) and Hai Duong (Thanh Ha).
- Harvest is short, roughly May to July, so juice is packed or stored in season.
Lychee nutrition
| Nutrient | Raw lychee, per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 66 kcal |
| Sugars | 15.2 g |
| Vitamin C | 71.5 mg |
| Potassium | 171 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Juice values depend on processing and storage.
Why lychee juice is hard to produce
- Heat-sensitive aroma — overheating gives a cooked, flat taste.
- Pinking — polyphenols can turn the juice pink over time.
- Short season — fruit must be processed quickly after harvest.
- Peeling and destoning — labour-intensive compared with pressing apples or oranges.
How to choose lychee juice
- Check juice percentage — “100%” versus “lychee drink”.
- Look for NFC for the freshest aroma.
- Check added sugar — 100% lychee juice needs none.
- Prefer opaque packs or store away from light.
Frequently asked questions
What does lychee juice taste like?
Very sweet, floral and slightly rose-like, with mild acidity.
Is lychee juice healthy?
It provides vitamin C and potassium, but it is high in natural sugar. Keep portions small.
Why does lychee juice turn pink?
Natural polyphenols oxidise. It is harmless but a sign of age or light exposure.
Is lychee safe to eat on an empty stomach?
Unripe lychees eaten in large amounts by undernourished children have been linked to low blood sugar. Ripe fruit and juice in normal amounts, with meals, are not a concern for healthy people.
Lychee juice from ACM Beverage
ACM Beverage produces lychee juice in Vietnam for OEM and private label customers. See the 1 L 100% lychee juice or the fruit juice range.
