New research reveals that 100 % orange juice provides a slower, more controlled rise in blood sugars than sugar sweetened drinks, challenging assumptions that all sugary drinks lead to similar blood sugar “spikes”.

The randomised controlled cross-over trial, published in the peer-reviewed journal Food & Function, involved 25 healthy young men who consumed four different drinks on separate days: 100 % orange juice, a 50 % orange juice drink with added sugars, a sugar-sweetened water drink and a pure glucose drink.

Researchers observed that, while pure orange juice and sugar-sweetened drinks can have the same overall sugar content, the body processes natural and added sugars differently thanks to the food structure.

100 % orange juice produced a slower rise – and lower “spike” – in blood sugars compared with the sugar-sweetened drinks – which were matched exactly to the balance of sugars in natural orange juice. While the rise and fall in blood sugars eventually evened out over two hours, the natural sugars from orange juice entered the bloodstream more gradually. This steadier absorption may help explain why some people experience a gradual feeling of energy after drinking 100 % orange juice, compared with the sharper “spike and dip” sometimes associated with sugar sweetened drinks.

Scientists think the difference comes down to structure. While soft drinks generally deliver sugar in isolation, 100 % orange juice contains what is known as a “fruit matrix” — the natural mix of tiny fibre fragments, plant bioactives, vitamins and minerals found in oranges and other whole fruit. This structure appears to moderate how quickly sugar enters the bloodstream.

Lead researcher, Professor Francisco A. Tomás-Barberán, of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), explained: “People often assume that because fruit juice contains natural sugars from the fruit, it must act in the same way as a sugary soft drink. Our findings clearly show this is not the case. “When sugars are consumed within the natural fruit matrix of 100 % orange juice, absorption is slower and the early blood glucose peak is lower. Food structure matters. “Although public health guidance often groups all “free sugars” together, our study demonstrates that sugars naturally present in fruit juice do not produce the same metabolic response as exactly the same sugars added to drinks.”

The concept of blood sugar spikes has become a hot topic, with influencers and some health commentators urging people to avoid rapid glucose rises.

Award-winning dietitian Dr. Carrie Ruxton commented: “People are now so worried about ‘sugar spikes’ that some are using wearable technologies, like glucose monitors, to test their reaction to different foods and drinks. While I don’t think this is helpful unless recommended by a doctor, it’s reassuring to know that 100 % orange juice is better for blood glucose control than other types of sweet drinks. “Even with the same overall sugars, the natural fruit matrix of 100 % orange juice slows down absorption creating a more gradual rise in blood glucose levels. That could mean more sustained energy levels after your morning glass juice. The fruit matrix in 100 % juices also delivers vitamin C for immune function and skin, potassium for blood pressure and a range of fruit bioactives for mental function and cardiovascular health”.

The open-access study is available to view in full.

A first-of-its-kind, French Kiss blends the signature grand bubbles of Maison Perrier^® with real fruit juice and prebiotics

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, get ready for your tastebuds to fall in love with Maison Perrier^® French Kiss, the brand’s first-ever sweetened sparkling water innovation – with benefits!

Adding a kiss of sweetness to the signature grand bubbles of Maison Perrier, French Kiss is more than a sip of sparkling water – it’s a flirtation with your senses. Artfully blending the flavours of real fruit with prebiotics, the first-of-its-kind sweetened sparkling water features at least 10 % real fruit juice, natural flavours, 6 grams of fiber and less than 1 gram of sugar to create a love match in every can.

Inspired by Paris–the city of love–and bottled in the south of France, each can of Maison Perrier French Kiss comes in four delectable flavours that pairs two fruit flavours for a perfect combination:

• Blackberry & Lemon – a zesty duo with the berry best vibes.
• Peach & Cherry – As juicy as a summer fling.
• Mango & Coconut – Flirting with tropical beach bliss in every sip.
• Raspberry & Lime – A tart and sweet power couple you’ll want to toast with every day.

Maison Perrier French Kiss is the latest innovation joining the Maison Perrier portfolio and the first to offer prebiotic benefits, providing even more to love with every sip.

Available now, Maison Perrier French Kiss can be found on Amazon and Harris Teeter in the US for a suggested MSRP of $ 8.49 for a 6-can pack.

VOG Products recently added a very special product to its assortment: “apple compote with pieces”, in which the creamy texture of the apple mousse meets apple chunks, resulting in an unforgettable flavour. High-quality steamed apple chunks are combined with apple mousse to create a “ready-to-use” product.

Organic quality or integrated quality, sweetened or unsweetened, produced with a single variety or mix: the new apple compote mixes with apple chunks from VOG Products are an excellent example of products which can be customised to your preference. The cans with apple compote mixes with tender apple chunks are products entirely designed to meet customer needs.

The main features of this new product are its versatility and the fact that it can be used in a wide range of applications. Apple mousse with apple chunks is therefore a “wild card” in the world of food products: it is not only used as a base mixture for other recipes, but also as a ingredient for further processing by customers in the food and beverage industry. The many possible uses range from “ready-to-use” apple compote for hotels or canteens to fillings for bakery and confectionary. The mix, which is exclusively composed of fruit, also opens up interesting opportunities for the dairy industry.

Solutions tailored to customers

“We have always aspired to develop customer-specific solutions,” comments Christoph Tappeiner, CEO of VOG Products. “The apple compote with pieces are the result of in-house development. We focused on product customisation to enable numerous applications for our customers.”

“For the production of the apple mousse with pieces, we only use top-quality ingredients from controlled or integrated organic farming. This is all backed by our unique supply chain,” explains Tappeiner.

A unique supply chain

The producer organisation has an extraordinary supply chain that guarantees continuous availability, traceability, and guaranteed supply throughout the year. The “FROM: Italian Alps” seal also certifies that the raw materials come from VOG Products member growers. These members comprise around 6,000 family farms that supply the fruit-growing cooperatives with products made with great expertise and experience.

VOG Products
The VOG Products producer organisation, based in Laives, is owned by two South Tyrolean producer organisations and 17 fruit-growing cooperatives. The company processes 300,000 to 400,000 tonnes of fruit from integrated and organic cultivation into apple juice (concentrate and NFC juice), purees and finished products. VOG Products exports 90% of its products to almost 50 countries worldwide. www.vog-products.it/en/