There has been an increase in the local fruit juice market as more South Africans adopt a healthy lifestyle.
While many of us are gearing up to get our bodies ready for summer, you may want to consider including juice in your diet for added health benefits.
James Khoza, from the South African Chefs Association, says most commercial juices are processed and lack the much-needed nutrition, while cold-pressed fruit juice is packed with all the essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Khosa says: "drinking fruit juice can help consumers lead a healthier lifestyle, especially those who don’t include enough fruit and vegetables in their diet."
Cold-pressed fruit juice is packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals.
Picture supplied
These are the four juice trends to look out for this summer.
Health, wellness, and wellbeing
The drive towards healthier eating has encouraged an array of trends and fads in the last five years, with many believing that juicing will eventually pass out of vogue.
Market research has found that the cold-pressed juice sector is worth millions of dollars. The juice-focused concept is just the beginning and it will continue to evolve.
The rise of vegetables
With the cost of meat on the rise and the growing number of questions around the sustainability of the meat industry, we have also noticed that people are consuming less meat and more vegetables.
The rise of veganism has also been a main driving force to the market, boosting the sale of fruit and vegetables even further, and many restaurants and retailers offer vegetable juices as an on-the-go option.
The rise of vegetable juice is a growing trend. Picture: Supplied
Tea time
Tea is trending around the world, but without the cucumber sandwiches and fussy silverware.
Studies have shown that unsweetened tea is as hydrating and healthy as water, with zero calories and it’s full of antioxidants which help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Creative flavours are making the drink even more appealing.
Fruit juice benefits
In the past, juices have faced the challenge of consumer concerns around high sugar content.
This is a misconception and a perception that is slowly starting to change. It is true that fruit is relatively high in sugar, but it contains fructose which is only harmful in large amounts.
People are becoming more aware of the nutrients, fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as a plethora of antioxidants and other plant compounds in fruit juices, which is why more consumers are choosing them over carbonated drinks.
Information supplied by Sir Fruit