Does Apple Juice Have Vitamin C?

Does Apple Juice Have Vitamin Cpunch? Spoiler alert: It’s no orange juice, but there’s more to this fruit beverage than first meets the eye. Let’s squeeze out the facts!

But then, Does Apple Juice Have Vitamin C? Maybe, because the sweet, refreshing drink that brings back memories of childhood picnics and lunchboxes.

But ponder this question that’ll leave you in a quandary: does apple juice have vitamin C? Come on, we all know oranges are full of it, but apples? Let’s get to the bottom (or rather, the skin?) of this and find out.

What’s the Big Deal with Vitamin C?

It is indeed more than safe to say this form of acid, being an ascorbic acid, is a super nutrient required to keep your immune system going, help your body absorb iron, and keep your skin fresh and youthful. 

And, it’s an antioxidant, which means it fights free radicals that can damage your cells. But the twist: your body is unable to manufacture vitamin C independently. 

That is correct, you need to get it from what you eat—be it fruit, vegetables, or that glass of juice in your hand.

Does Apple Juice have Vitamin C?

Now to the very root cause of the conversation, apples do contain some vitamin C, but not in large amounts. A medium-sized apple yields about 8 mg of vitamin C.

To give that some perspective, an orange has approximately 70 mg. So, apples may not be precisely vitamin C royalty, but they do add something to your total.

But then there’s apple juice. Will it contain just as much vitamin C as the whole apple? Well, it depends.

If you’re juicing apples at home, you’ll get a decent amount of vitamin C—assuming you’re using fresh, ripe apples. But then, vitamin C is sensitive to air and light, so the longer the juice sits, the more vitamin C it loses. That’s why fresh is best!

Most commercial apple juices are pasteurized, which is to say that they’re heated to destroy bacteria. Unfortunately, this destroys some of the vitamin C as well. In compensation, some brands fortify their juice with added vitamin C.

If you’re consuming commercial apple juice, therefore, look at the label to find out whether it’s been fortified, as if otherwise, may be extremely harmful to one’s health.

How Much Vitamin C Do You Need?

The recommended daily intake (RDA) of vitamin C is about 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. So, a glass of apple juice might not provide your daily share on its own, but it will contribute to your overall—especially if it’s fortified.

While we’re on the topic, let’s not forget that apple juice has other nutrients too. It’s a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and it contains antioxidants like polyphenols, which are great for your heart. Plus, it’s hydrating and delicious—what’s not to love?

Now, before you start downing apple juice in gallons, consider one thing: sugar. Apple juice is inherently sweet, yet it is extremely sugary and calorie-laden as well. Too much contributes to weight gain and other adverse health issues, so be intelligent and limit consumption.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for 100% pure apple juice with no added sugars. Or better yet, dilute it with water to cut down on the sweetness.

Wrapping Up

So, is apple juice full of vitamin C? Yes, but how much depends on whether it’s store or fresh, and whether it’s been fortified. It might not be the richest source of vitamin C, but it’s a delicious way to get a small boost.

If you’re looking to up your vitamin C game, consider pairing your apple juice with other vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, or bell peppers. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing apple juice with a splash of orange juice for a vitamin C-packed punch!

Apple juice is not perhaps the vitamin C superstar of the fruit kingdom, but it is a tasty, healthy choice. Help yourself to a glass, and indulge in the sweetness of health—just don’t forget to balance it with other high-vitamin-C foods!