Low-sugar mango juice is a mango drink made with less sugar than standard versions, usually by diluting mango purée and replacing part of the sugar with sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol. Mango itself has 13.7 g of sugar per 100 g. In the EU, “low sugars” on a drink means no more than 2.5 g per 100 ml.
Key facts at a glance
- Standard mango nectars typically contain 11–14 g of sugar per 100 ml.
- “Reduced sugar” (EU) means at least 30% less than similar products.
- “Low sugars” (EU) means at most 2.5 g per 100 ml for liquids.
- The US FDA has no “low sugar” definition; “reduced sugar” and “no added sugar” are defined.
- Fruit sugar still counts towards total sugars, whatever the sweetening method.
How sugar is reduced in mango drinks
| Method | How it works | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Less added sugar | Keep purée level, cut added sugar | More tart; limited reduction |
| Lower purée + sweetener | Dilute fruit, add stevia or sucralose | Thinner body; sweetener aftertaste |
| Bulk sweeteners | Erythritol or allulose restore body | Cost; digestive tolerance at high doses |
| Enzymatic reduction | Convert part of the fruit sugar | Emerging technology; higher cost |
| Blending | Add lower-sugar fruit or vegetable juice | Changes flavour |
What mango contributes
| Nutrient | Raw mango, per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 60 kcal |
| Sugars | 13.7 g |
| Vitamin C | 36.4 mg |
| Vitamin A | 54 µg RAE |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. A drink with 20% purée contains roughly one-fifth of these amounts before processing losses.
Why it matters for brands
- Sugar taxes in the UK, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and elsewhere apply above thresholds such as 5 or 8 g per 100 ml of added sugar.
- Front-of-pack labels such as traffic lights or warning labels reward lower sugar.
- Retailer policies increasingly set sugar targets for private label drinks.
What brands should specify with an OEM
- Total sugar target per 100 ml, matched to the claim you want to make.
- Mango purée percentage and variety, which set flavour and cost.
- Sweetener system, checked against approved lists in each destination.
- Claim wording — “low sugar”, “reduced sugar” or “no added sugar” each have legal conditions.
- Pack format — 350 ml PET is common in East Asian retail; cans suit longer export routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is low-sugar mango juice healthy?
It contains less sugar and fewer calories than standard mango drinks. It also usually contains less mango, so vitamin content is lower too.
Does low-sugar mango juice use artificial sweeteners?
Many do. Stevia, sucralose, erythritol and monk fruit are common. The ingredient list will show which one is used.
Is it suitable for people with diabetes?
Lower-sugar versions have a smaller effect on blood sugar than standard juice, but they still contain fruit sugar. People with diabetes should check total carbohydrate per serving.
What is the difference between “no added sugar” and “low sugar”?
“No added sugar” means no sugar was added, but the drink can still be high in natural fruit sugar. “Low sugar” limits total sugar, for example to 2.5 g per 100 ml in the EU.
Can the sugar level be customised for private label?
Yes. Sugar target, sweetener, purée content and pack design are standard OEM variables.
Mango drinks from ACM Beverage
ACM Beverage produces mango drinks, including low-sugar versions, in Vietnam for OEM and private label customers, in facilities certified to ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 and HACCP, exporting to more than 40 countries. See the 350 ml low-sugar mango juice drink or the fruit juice range. Related reading: mango sparkling water. To discuss a formulation, contact our export team.
