Is Juice Plus FDA Approved? The Truth Revealed
Juice Plus products are not FDA approved, as dietary supplements do not require FDA approval before marketing, but they are manufactured in FDA-registered facilities.
Many consumers wonder if Juice Plus supplements have FDA approval. The short answer is no – Juice Plus products are not FDA approved drugs. They are marketed as dietary supplements, which means they don’t undergo the same rigorous testing as pharmaceutical drugs. This article explores what FDA approval really means for supplements like Juice Plus.
Understanding FDA Approval for Supplements
The FDA regulates dietary supplements differently than drugs. While pharmaceutical companies must prove their products are safe and effective before marketing them, supplement makers don’t need FDA approval to sell their products. The FDA only steps in if a supplement is found to be unsafe after it’s on the market.
How the FDA Classifies Juice Plus
Juice Plus falls under the FDA’s dietary supplement category. The company must follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) for supplements, but their products don’t undergo pre-market approval. The FDA has reviewed some Juice Plus claims and found many to be misleading or unsubstantiated.
Key Differences Between Drugs and Supplements
- Drugs require clinical trials proving safety and efficacy
- Supplements can be marketed without pre-approval
- Drug claims must be FDA-approved
- Supplement health claims are more limited
Juice Plus Product Line and Ingredients
Juice Plus offers several supplement products containing fruit and vegetable extracts. Their core products include Orchard Blend (fruit-based) and Garden Blend (vegetable-based) capsules. The company uses a proprietary process to create powdered juice extracts that are then encapsulated.
Nutritional Content Concerns
Independent testing by ConsumerLab found Juice Plus Garden Blend contained only 76.4% of its claimed calcium content. The company disputed these findings, but ConsumerLab stood by their testing methodology using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry).
Controversies and Legal Issues
Juice Plus has faced multiple controversies regarding its marketing practices and health claims:
Deceptive Marketing Claims
Investigations by TINA.org found Juice Plus distributors making illegal disease-treatment claims on social media. These included claims that Juice Plus could cure seasonal allergies, infertility, and even prevent COVID-19. The FDA prohibits supplement companies from making drug claims without approval.
MLM Business Model Concerns
Juice Plus uses a multi-level marketing (MLM) structure where distributors earn commissions. Some critics argue this model prioritizes recruitment over product sales. Distributors can earn 6-14% commissions based on their sales volume.
Scientific Research on Juice Plus
While Juice Plus claims its products are “supported by more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications,” independent reviews found significant limitations in these studies:
| Study Limitation | Description |
|---|---|
| Small sample sizes | Many studies had too few participants for meaningful results |
| Lack of diversity | Studies focused on specific groups (e.g., all obese women) |
| Conflict of interest | Some researchers had ties to Juice Plus or its manufacturers |
Alternatives to Juice Plus
For those seeking nutritional supplements, consider these alternatives:
Whole Food Options
Instead of powdered supplements, try increasing actual fruit and vegetable intake. A quality juicer can help create fresh, nutrient-rich drinks at home.
Other Supplement Options
Look for supplements from companies that voluntarily undergo third-party testing. Organizations like NSF International and USP verify supplement quality and contents.
The Bottom Line on Juice Plus
While Juice Plus markets its products as nutritional supplements, consumers should be aware that:
- The FDA has not approved Juice Plus for any medical claims
- Independent testing found some products don’t contain claimed nutrient levels
- Many distributor health claims are illegal and unsubstantiated
For those interested in blending their own healthy drinks, consider a high-quality blender to make fresh smoothies with whole ingredients.
External resources for more information:
FDA Dietary Supplement Information and
ConsumerLab supplement testing.
