Nutrition

Nutritional Benefits of Apple Products

Apple Products: Better Than Ever

Quietly virtuous
The nutritional benefits of apple juice (as well as applesauce and many other apple products) are often underestimated because these foods are "quietly virtuous." When closely evaluating the nutritional composition of apple juice and other apple products, it becomes apparent that the lack of fat, cholesterol and sodium are just a few of the many reasons these products are an important part of a healthful dietary regimen.

Full of phytonutrients
Research studies around the world are now uncovering the wide array of phytonutrients that are contained in fruits and vegetables that make them an important part of a nutritious diet. These nutrients offer many benefits, not unlike the antioxidants we hear so much about. In fact, university research (see research studies listed below) is just now finding that apple juice contains the same important phytonutrients as whole apples. These nutrients are why juice directly from the fruit, such as 100% apple juice, offers many of the natural nutrition benefits. To learn more about this research, click here.

Readily accepted source of energy and essential fluids
Fruit sugars such as those found in apple products serve as an immediate source of energy. And because apple products taste so good, they are loved by consumers of all ages. Apple juice also serves as an excellent means of providing essential fluids to the body, and is unlikely to cause allergic reactions.

Fruit Exchange
Apple products have a nutrient/calorie ratio superior to many of the alternative snacks being consumed by children. One serving of apple juice (4-6 ounces) or unsweetened applesauce (1/2 cup) serves as a fruit exchange, according to the meal planning guidelines published jointly by the American Dietetic Association and American Diabetes Association. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consumption of several cups per day of fruits and vegetables, and acknowledge the role that 100% juice can play as part of the fruit allowance. The new USDA MyPyramid food guidance program lists portion sizes and amounts of 100% juice for children and adults.

In keeping with recent health professionals' recommendations to increase servings of fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of fat in the diet, apple products can make an important contribution to a well-balanced diet.

Most pediatricians support apple juice as the first juice for infants
A recent national survey of pediatric health professionals confirmed that apple juice is most often recommended as the first juice for infants. It is easily accepted and pleasing to infants. Also, since babies love the sweet taste of apple juice, it may help motivate them to use a standard cup or glass and accept new tastes and foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 4-6 ounces for children 1-6 years old and 8-12 for older children. Juice should only be served from a cup or glass, not in a bottle.

Children and adults alike love apple juice
Information gathered in consumer focus groups demonstrates that apple juice is a taste that both children and adults enjoy. However, 100% fruit juice like apple juice often is not selected because of the advertising hype given to popular beverage alternatives. Apple juice is versatile and can be served chilled, over ice, frozen into fruit pops or even served hot. Too many times, grade schoolers and teenagers forget how much they like apple juice because no one brings it home from the store.