All natural orange juice is made from freshly squeezed oranges without additives, offering a pure, refreshing taste and essential vitamins.
All natural orange juice delivers pure, unprocessed citrus flavor with no additives or preservatives. Unlike concentrated or heavily processed options, these juices retain more vitamins, enzymes, and fresh-squeezed taste. Here’s how to find the best quality and what makes certain brands stand out.
What Makes Orange Juice “All Natural”?
True all natural orange juice meets strict criteria:
- No additives: Contains only 100% orange juice with no sweeteners, colors, or preservatives
- Processing: Either cold-pressed or minimally pasteurized to preserve nutrients
- Pulp content: Ranges from no pulp to high pulp based on preference
- Packaging: Often uses glass bottles to prevent chemical leaching
Cold-Pressed vs. Pasteurized
Cold-pressed juices use slow masticating juicers that don’t generate heat, preserving more vitamins and enzymes. Pasteurized juices are briefly heated to kill bacteria, which slightly reduces nutrient content but extends shelf life.
Top All Natural Orange Juice Brands
1. Lakewood Organic Pure Orange Juice
This standout option uses organic Florida oranges with:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certifications | USDA Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO |
| Packaging | Glass bottles (BPA/BPS/DEHP-free) |
| Nutrition | 110% DV vitamin C per serving |
2. Whole Foods 365 Organic
A budget-friendly organic choice with calcium and vitamin D fortification. While slightly sweeter than other options, it’s free from artificial ingredients.
3. Fresh-Squeezed Store Options
Many grocery stores now offer fresh-squeezed OJ using commercial juicers. These provide the freshest taste but have the shortest shelf life (3-5 days).
Nutrition Comparison
All natural orange juices provide key nutrients:
- Vitamin C: 100-130% DV per 8oz serving
- Folate: 15% DV for cell function
- Potassium: 10% DV for blood pressure
- Antioxidants: Hesperidin and flavonoids
According to a 2018 study, fresh orange juice retains more polyphenols than processed alternatives.
How to Choose the Best Option
For Flavor
Look for juices with Valencia or Hamlin oranges for balanced sweetness and acidity.
For Nutrition
Cold-pressed organic juices retain the most nutrients. The highest-rated cold press juicers can help make your own at home.
For Budget
Store brands like Whole Foods 365 offer quality at lower prices than premium options.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate immediately after opening
- Consume within 7-10 days for best quality
- Shake well before serving (natural separation occurs)
- Freeze in ice cube trays for smoothies
Glass bottles prevent flavor transfer and chemical leaching compared to plastic, according to food packaging research.
