M any parents have questions about juice. There is a lot of information about how healthy 100% juice is. But offering 100% juice too often can cause concerns. Many parents offer 100% juice in place of milk, water, or whole fruits and vegetables. It is better to fill up on whole foods than drinks. For children over the age of 1, a  healthy eating pattern can include small amounts of 100% juice. Do not offer 100% juice to infants or children under 1-year-old.

Let’s explore how to offer and why to limit juice:

Juice has very little fiber: Whole fruits and vegetables have fiber. Fiber helps meals feel more filling. Fiber helps with regular bowel movements. Juice is not a good source of fiber.

Juice can cause tooth decay: Juice has more sugar than milk and water. Offering juice in a sippy cup or bottle will let juice sit on the teeth. The teeth can then develop cavities. Try offering juice at the table with snack.

Juice can cause upset stomachs: Too much juice can cause stomach pains, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Juice is not as healthy as water and milk: Water is essential to long-term health. It promotes digestion and is the best for staying hydrated. Water also controls body temperature and helps to prevent constipation. Milk is essential for protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.

All juices are not equal: read labels carefully: 

• Choose juices with labels that say "100% fruit juice."
• Avoid options that say "fruit or juice drink," " juice beverage," or "juice cocktail" These may mostly be water, sugar, and only 5% to 10% juice.
• Fruit-flavored sodas or soft drinks contain NO juice. 
• Grape and apple juices contain very little vitamin C. That's why only those that are fortified with vitamin C are WIC approved.   
• Grape and apple juices are also higher in natural sugars than most other fruit juices.  
• Orange juice is naturally lower in sugar. It is also higher in vitamin C and potassium. 

When possible, offer water and milk instead of juice. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day. Place water within reach if appropriate for your child’s age. Allow them to serve themselves water throughout the day. This will help your child build independence too.

Questions from moms, answers from WIC staff 

Offer an age-appropriate amount:
Experts recommend no more than 4 ounces per day for toddlers 1-3 years and 4-6 ounces per day for 4-6-year-olds.1

100% juice:
100% juice does not have any added sugar. It has vitamins and minerals in it, like fruit.

Offer juice with snacks:

Offer juice for snack. This way your child will not be too full from the juice to finish a meal.

Dilute the juice: 
Add water to juice. Begin this practice the first time you offer juice.

Are you already offering juice? 

No problem, over time you can decrease the amount of juice you offer: 

Start by offering ¾ juice and ¼ water.
Then ½ juice and ½ water.
Then ¼ juice and ¾ water.

Even if you dilute the juice, it is important to offer no more than 4-6 ounces of 100% juice daily.