Fruit juice has a healthy reputation, but many popular UK brands pack a surprising sugar punch. While a standard can of cola contains about 35g of sugar, several fruit juices on supermarket shelves exceed this amount.
The 'natural' label often masks these sweet drinks as healthier alternatives, but your body processes all sugar similarly regardless of source.
Innocent Super Smoothies
Behind that cheerful packaging lurks a sugar bomb! A 250ml bottle of Innocent's 'Energise' Super Smoothie contains a whopping 38g of sugar – that's 3g more than a standard cola.
The natural sugars might come from fruit, but your body doesn't distinguish between them and added sugars when processing.
Tropicana Original Orange Juice
Morning cuppa with a side of sugar rush! A 250ml serving of Tropicana Original Orange Juice contains approximately 37g of sugar – 2g more than a typical cola.
Despite marketing focused on vitamin C and natural ingredients, this breakfast staple delivers nearly a day's worth of sugar in one small glass.
Copella Apple Juice
Fancy a sugar spike with your apple a day? Copella's premium apple juice contains roughly 39g of sugar per 250ml serving.
The brand's rustic image and 'pressed not processed' slogan cleverly distract from the fact you're drinking more sugar than a fizzy cola. Their fancy glass bottles only enhance the health halo effect!
Naked Juice Mighty Mango
Mango madness with a side of sugar overload! A 250ml portion of Naked's Mighty Mango smoothie contains around 42g of sugar – a full 7g more than cola.
The vibrant packaging and promises of 'no added sugar' mask the reality that fruit concentrates create an intensely sweet drink. Your pancreas won't know the difference!
Sainsbury's Cloudy Apple Juice
Looks wholesome, tastes sweet, packs sugar! Sainsbury's own-brand Cloudy Apple Juice contains approximately 40g of sugar per 250ml serving – 5g more than your average cola.
The rustic appearance and budget-friendly price make it a popular choice, but your blood glucose levels won't thank you for this seemingly innocent supermarket staple.
Tesco Finest Berry Medley Smoothie
Berry bonanza or sugar explosion? Tesco's premium smoothie range delivers approximately 36g of sugar per 250ml – sneaking past cola's sugar content.
The 'Finest' label and pretty purple packaging suggest a healthy choice, but all those concentrated berries create a drink that's essentially liquid candy with some vitamins thrown in for good measure.
Cawston Press Apple & Rhubarb
Posh packaging, artisanal vibe, sugar overload! Cawston Press Apple & Rhubarb juice contains roughly 38g of sugar per 250ml serving – 3g more than cola.
The brand's focus on British-grown fruit and traditional pressing methods creates a premium image. Meanwhile, the tangy rhubarb doesn't offset the hefty sugar content from those pressed apples.
Innocent Orange Juice With Bits
Extra bits, extra sugar! Innocent's Orange Juice with Bits contains approximately 36g of sugar per 250ml – edging past cola's sugar content while maintaining its healthy reputation.
The pulpy texture gives an impression of wholesome goodness. Yet this breakfast favourite delivers almost as much sugar as you'd get from munching four chocolate digestive biscuits!
