May 20, 2015
Health Canada wishes to clarify some confusion resulting from media reports that fruit juice may be removed from Canada's Food Guide.
Currently, Canada's Food Guide provides examples of fruits and vegetables that are part of a healthy eating pattern, and this includes fruit juice as an option. Canadians are encouraged to eat a variety of whole vegetables and fruit more often than juice, recognizing that there are benefits, such as increased fibre intake, that cannot be comparably obtained from juice.
One serving of fruit juice is one-half cup (125ml), and this would be consistent with a healthy eating pattern. However, more servings of fruit juice could potentially contribute too much sugar to a person's daily consumption, depending on their age and gender, and what other foods they are eating.
The Department is in the process of reviewing the evidence base for its current guidance to Canadians, including how the existing guidance is being used by health professionals, educators and consumers.
Health Canada plans to publish some updated educational tools that are intended to clarify our current guidance, including with respect to the consumption of fruits and vegetables, sugar intake, and healthy beverages.
Depending on the conclusions of the scientific review, guidance for consumption (quantity and frequency) of various foods, including juice, could be updated in the future.
