Let's settle this once and for all — is freshly squeezed juice really that much better than the bottled stuff from the store? I've tried both (a lot 😂).

After doing a little digging and testing them out in my own kitchen, here's what I found. Let's break it down in real, simple terms!

What's in fresh juice?

Freshly squeezed juice is literally just fruit — juiced! 🍊 Whether you're using oranges, apples, or even celery and lemon, you get all the raw, natural goodness with no extra fluff. No added sugar, no preservatives, and the taste? Super crisp and vibrant. You can even keep the pulp if you want that extra fiber boost.

What's in bottled juice?

Store-bought juice might look the same, but the inside story is a bit different. Even if it says "100% juice," it's often pasteurized, which means it's been heated to remove bacteria — but that also means some vitamins get lost in the process 😬. Many brands also add flavor "packs," stabilizers, or extra sugar to keep things shelf-stable and consistent.

Let's talk nutrients 🍋

Fresh juice wins when it comes to vitamins like C, B, and enzymes. These are most active right after juicing. Some bottled juices try to add those back in, but it's never quite the same. So if you want max nutrition and you have time, go for the fresh stuff.

BUT — if you're rushing out the door and need a grab-and-go option, bottled juice can still be okay. Just read the label! Look for:

• "Cold-pressed" (this keeps more nutrients)

• "No added sugar"

• "Not from concentrate"

These choices usually get you closer to the real thing.

What about taste? 😋

Honestly, fresh juice just tastes… fresher. Like you can actually tell it came from a real orange or apple, not a juice factory. Bottled juice sometimes feels flatter or too sweet. If you've never compared the two side-by-side, try it — it's kind of eye-opening.

Which one's better?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. I personally love fresh juice in the morning — it wakes me up and makes me feel good. But I also keep a small bottle of cold-pressed juice in the fridge for busy days.

Let's chat! 💬

Do you usually go fresh or bottled? Have you ever tried juicing at home? Let me know your fav combos (I'm obsessed with pineapple + mint lately 🍍🌿). And if you've got tips for making juicing easier — send them my way!

No pressure, friends — it's all about balance. Whether you're pouring from your own juicer or a bottle, just being aware of what's in your cup already makes a difference!🧃✨