On supermarket shelves, the colors and shapes of packaging can be confusing, but behind the labels “refreshment”, “nectar”, “integral” and “mixed drink” hide important differences that go well beyond taste. Brazilian legislation establishes specific rules for each category of fruit drinks – and they affect everything from nutritional value to the price reached by the consumer.
“The difference between these drinks does not only lie in the taste. It lies mainly in the composition and the relationship with health,” explains Bruna de Sousa Almeida, product manager at Tial. “It is essential to read the label carefully to buy conscientiously and understand what you are actually taking home. Brazilian legislation is very clear on what can or cannot be added, and this completely changes the profile of the product,” adds Bruna.
The definitions are described in the normative orders and instructions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), which regulate the production and sale of beverages in the country.
Below you can see some of the main characteristics of each of the beverage categories:
Whole juice: pure fruit, without fussWhole juice is the closest thing to fresh fruit. It is obtained directly from pressed or crushed fruit, without added sugar, coloring or preservatives. Legislation requires that it be made from 100% fruit, that is to say without dilution with water or additives. It is the ideal choice for those looking for authentic flavor and greater nutritional value.
100% juice: made only from fruit, with no added sugar100% fruit juices also do not receive added sugar, but may undergo a process of concentration and subsequent reconstitution, when water is removed for ease of transport and added again before packaging. The main difference with whole juice lies precisely in this processing. It is an option that combines practicality and purity, while retaining the characteristic flavor of the fruit. Within this universe, there are also mixed juices, which combine different fruits without added sugar. Many brands use apple or pear as a base to offer 100% more affordable versions, as these fruits help bring natural sweetness to the product without the need to add sugar.
100% mixed juice: fruit combination, no added sugarThe 100% mixed juice is also made exclusively from fruit and contains no added sugar, water or additives. The difference is the combination of fruits in the same drink. In the case of Tial 100%, for example, the blend can include fruits like apple or pear, which have a more neutral flavor and color, but help to naturally sweeten the product and balance the sensory profile, says Bruna. “This combination can also make it possible to adjust the texture of the flavors with denser pulps, making the juice more pleasant to drink, without giving up the commitment to real fruit and the legal requirement to be 100% fruit.”
Nectar: fruit juice or pulp, with water and sugarNectar is a mixture of fruit pulp with water and usually sugar. The fruit concentration varies depending on the flavor, ranging from 10% to 50%. Unlike whole juices, nectars can be given additives, such as colors, preservatives and sweeteners, resulting in sweeter, less robust drinks. “This is a middle-of-the-road category, seeking to balance cost and flavor,” says Bruna. “Nectar tends to appeal to those who want a lighter drink, but still with a fruity taste.”
Refreshment: the most dilutedThe soft drink contains the least amount of fruit — in some cases it can vary from 4% to 30%. The fruit content varies depending on the flavor, being higher in the orange, tangerine and grape versions, which reach 30%. It is a drink with a high content of water, sweeteners and flavorings and, despite its more affordable price, its nutritional value is lower than that of other types.
Mixed drink: mixture of ingredientsNewer and more versatile, the mixed drink can combine fruit with other ingredients, such as vegetables, cereals, milk or tea. The legislation requires that all components be clearly described on the label, but does not establish a minimum percentage of fruit. This category is gaining ground because it allows creative combinations, often aimed at an audience seeking practicality and functionality.
“The ideal is to always look at the first ingredient on the list: it indicates what is in the greatest quantity in the product,” explains Ana Flávia Araújo, nutritionist. “If it’s a whole juice, the fruit will appear from the start. In soft drinks, the first element is normally water or sugar. This helps the consumer understand the quality of the drink and make more balanced choices.”
Ana Flávia also highlights the importance of opting for products with fewer additives. “The shorter the ingredient list, the better. And it’s good to remember: drinks without the warning magnifying glass – which indicates excess sugar or sodium – tend to be healthier choices; Tial juices are one example.”
Whatever the category, the rule is clear: the closer the fruit, the greater its nutritional value. Knowing what each name on the label means is the first step to putting a drink in your cart that’s actually good for you.
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