Although the NFC on juice labels means “Not From Concentrate,” it means that the juice is not concentrated from fresh fruit or frozen fruit. It is pressed, pasteurized, and then packed at the source, and thereafter, no water is removed and then added back. It contains more natural flavor and nutrients than juice made from concentrate with Not From Concentrate juice.
On the other hand, “From Concentrate” means a juice that has been concentrated after water removal from the juice and before packaging, is mixed again with water. Hence,it loses some of its natural flavors and nutrients. Further restoring taste may include application of flavor packs not required to be labeled on the flavor value.
Thus, if someone chooses Not From Concentrate, it means that person prefers drinking something closest to freshly squeezed, pure-type liquid with a more sensuous flavor and well-associated higher nutritional value. On the other hand, it may be noted that Not From Concentrate juice is pasteurized and has a shelf life much shorter when compared to their counterparts that were concentrated.
What Does “Not From Concentrate” Mean?
So, when you pick a carton of orange juice labeled as ‘Not from Concentrate’ (NFC), you just think it is the most natural version available. But there is more to it than and it will affect the juice that you drink.
The phrase not from concentrates means that the juice is extracted from fruit, pasteurized to make it safe for drinking, and bottled without concentrating and reconstituting the juice with added water. Unlike their concentrated counterparts, these juices have never been evaporated. Thus, NFC juice makes it from fruit to shelf without undergoing any water removal and reattachment.
To truly understand NFC, let’s compare it to its counterpart:
| Not From Concentrate (NFC) | From Concentrate (FC) |
| Juice is pressed and bottled immediately after extraction. | Juice is pressed, then water is evaporated to create a syrup. |
| No water is removed or added back. | Water is removed for storage/shipping, then re-added later. |
| Typically tastes fresher and closer to natural fruit. | May lose some flavor nuances during processing. |
| Shorter shelf life (weeks to months). | Longer shelf life (months to years). |
| More expensive due to higher transport costs (contains water weight). | Cheaper to produce and ship (lighter in concentrated form). |
The Juice Production Process: From Tree to Bottle
how are fruit juice concentrates made: Transporting juice from tree to bottle is a careful process from the taste and nutrition to safety, beginning with carefully selecting fruits picked at full ripeness for optimal flavor and nutrient content. For instance, in Iran which is well-known for the pomegranate, sour cherry and different sorts of citrus fruits is the crucial step of their juicing process. Of all the countries in the world, the climate and soil conditions in Iran are mainly responsible for the favorable quality of its produce, thereby continuing to rank Iranian fruits highly sought after all over the juice industry.
The fruits are cleaned thoroughly to remove impurities after harvesting. After this, the fruits are sorted to ensure that only the top grade fruit goes on to the juicing stage. There are many differences in processing between the different types of fruits, but most commonly, pressing or crushing the fruit allows it to release its juice. This step must be performed with care so that the fruit’s flavor remains true to itself and its nutritional properties intact. In Iran, there are very modern methods that can use this last aspect to the utmost while maximizing the yield.
Nutritional Differences and Health Implications
When considering the nutraceutical quotes of NFC juices and FC juices, how they are processed would have been eventually relevant in terms of their health benefits.
Nutrient retention:
NFC juices are manufactured by straight juice extraction from fresh fruits, followed by pasteurization while maintaining minimal processing. This retains a better amount of natural vitamins and phytonutrients of the fruit. Conversely, FC juices undergo added processes such as the removal of some water and reconstitution, which can wear down some nutrients. Vitamin C, an important nutrient, is likely to be lower in FC juices due to the heating associated with concentration.
Sugar Content and Additives:
NFC and FC juices may provide nearly equal amounts of natural sugars, but those associated with the FC variety are more likely to contain artificially added sugars or sweeteners to enhance flavoring after processing. Heavy intakes of these added sugars are linked to some health problems like overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes; thus, the need to read labels and choose juices that say ‘100% juice‘ with no added sugar.
Fiber and Satiety:
However, both kinds (NFC or FC) of fruit juices are devoid of the dietary fiber of the whole fruit, and fiber is basically essential for proper digestion and, to some extent, blood sugar regulation. The juices without fiber tend to spike the blood sugar much more rapidly than whole fruits do. Not to mention that juices may not impart as much satiety and lead to more overall intake of calories.
Labeling, Regulations, and Industry Practices
Consumers who truly desire to make well-informed choices must know the labeling and regulatory environment of juice products. The FDA has established labeling guidelines regarding juices to provide for transparency and consistency, especially as it relates to differentiating between juices that are “Not From Concentrate” (NFC) and those made “From Concentrate” (FC).
The FDA has made it mandatory for juice products to label their contents accurately. The term “100% Juice” must be used for drinks free from the addition of sugar or artificial flavorings. In case a juice is derived from concentrate, this fact also must be clearly stated on its label for the reference of consumers concerning the reconstitution process, using terms like “from concentrate” or “reconstituted” as part of the product name whenever it appears on that label.
In Reality, differences between NFC and FC juices affect perceptions of how consumers purchase them. Less processed NFC juices are mainly classified as “natural” and “indeed” as probably fresher-not only in flavor but also in nutrients that partakes of the fruit. On the other hand, juices can be commercialized under the name ‘100% Juice‘ for both types, so this may confuse consumers who seek the least processed version.
Conclusion
The knowledge and understanding of terms associated with fruit juices, chiefly the distinction between “not from concentrate” (NFC) and “from concentrate” (FC), endows a buyer with the ability to make an informed decision regarding personal health objectives and taste.
NFC juice is produced by directly extracting juice from fresh fruit and pasteurization. Only minimal heat treatment is applied, which helps retain the natural flavor and nutrients of the fruit. FC juice is prepared by concentrating juice from which water has been removed, and it is later restored with water after packaging. The juice may have lost some of the original flavor identity and nutrients, and flavor packs are usually added to bring it back.
Both NFC and FC juices may be similar in terms of calories but may differ in terms of nutrient content since the differences in processing methodology and added ingredients based on raw material in juices have an influence. In NFC juices, relatively less processing may keep a more original nutrient level of fruit with itself. However, both juices lack the dietary fiber found in a whole fruit, which is essential for digestive health. Further, some of the FC juices may contain artificially added sugar or sweeteners that form potential health hazards when consumed in excess.
