Orange Juice

For years I wondered which orange juice to buy.  Some said pasteurized, some said from concentrate and some said fortified.  What is the difference and which is best?  Here is what I found out.

Pasteurized - Almost all supermarket orange juice is pasteurized (heated to a high temperature), increasing its shelf life and ensuring that the juice doesn't separate.

Frozen Concentrate Orange Juice - This is orange juice with the water removed.  When prepared according to package directions, it has about the same amount of vitamin C as not-from-concentrate juice.

From Concentrate - The water has been removed form this juice for storage, then added back in before bottling.  In terms of nutrition and price, buying a carton of OJ "from concentrate" is about the same as mixing it yourself.

Fortified Orange Juice - These varieties have added nutrients.  Most have calcium and vitamin D added.

Not From Concentrate - Just like fresh-squeezed juice, there’s no water, sugar, or preservatives added, only 100 percent pure premium quality pasteurized.

Now I know the difference and can make my decision knowingly.