Fruit juice fits Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, next on 6 February 2027) because fruit symbolises abundance and luck, and juice is an easy drink to offer guests. It is also a lighter alternative to sugary soft drinks and alcohol during heavy holiday meals. Keep portions to about 150 ml, as even 100% juice contains natural sugar.
Why drink fruit juice during Tet?
- Good-luck symbolism: fruit is central to the Tet altar tray (mâm ngũ quả), which represents wishes for abundance.
- Hospitality: juice is easy to serve to guests of all ages, including children and people who do not drink alcohol.
- A break from heavy food: Tet meals are rich and salty; a chilled juice or juice with water is refreshing.
- Vitamins: orange, pomelo and guava juices supply vitamin C.
- Less alcohol: offering juice alongside beer helps guests who are driving or want to drink less.
Which fruits are lucky at Tet?
| Fruit | Meaning at Tet | Juice idea |
|---|---|---|
| Orange and tangerine | Wealth and good fortune (golden colour) | Orange juice |
| Pomelo (bưởi) | Abundance, family unity | Pomelo juice |
| Custard apple / soursop (mãng cầu) | Name sounds like “pray for” – wishes coming true | Soursop juice |
| Coconut (dừa) | Sounds like “enough” – sufficiency | Coconut water |
| Papaya (đu đủ) | Sounds like “plenty” | Papaya smoothie |
| Mango (xoài) | Sounds like “spend” – having enough to spend | Mango juice |
In the south, the fruit tray often spells the wish “cầu vừa đủ xài” (praying for just enough to spend) using soursop, coconut, papaya and mango.
How to enjoy juice healthily at Tet
- Choose 100% juice or “no added sugar” versions.
- Serve small glasses (about 150 ml) or dilute with sparkling water.
- Offer water and unsweetened tea too.
- Still eat whole fruit for fibre.
Juice as a Tet gift
Gift boxes of canned juice and coconut water are common Tet presents for relatives and business partners. For companies, private-label juice with Tet artwork can make a memorable corporate gift. Browse ACM’s fruit juices, soursop juice, mango juice and coconut water.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tet 2027?
Lunar New Year’s Day falls on Saturday, 6 February 2027.
What fruits are on the Vietnamese Tet tray?
Common choices are pomelo, bananas, oranges, custard apple or soursop, coconut, papaya, mango and figs, varying by region.
Is fruit juice better than soft drinks at Tet?
100% juice provides vitamins that soft drinks lack, but it still contains sugar, so keep portions small.
Is fruit juice a good Tet gift?
Yes. Juice and coconut water gift boxes are popular because they suit every age and are easy to share.
