Unpasteurized Juice: What It Is, Safety Risks, and Health Benefits

Unpasteurized juice has become increasingly popular in recent years, often marketed as “raw,” “fresh-squeezed,” or “cold-pressed” juice. You’ll find these beverages at trendy juice bars, farmers’ markets, health food stores, and even in many home kitchens where health-conscious individuals prepare their own fresh juices.

While unpasteurized juice is often perceived as a healthier, more natural alternative to conventional juice, it’s important to understand what sets it apart, the potential health risks involved, and who should exercise caution when consuming it.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about unpasteurized juice, helping you make informed decisions about whether it’s the right choice for you and your family.

What Is Unpasteurized Juice?

Unpasteurized juice is juice that has not undergone the pasteurization process, which uses heat treatment to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in the beverage.

The pasteurization process, named after scientist Louis Pasteur, typically involves heating juice to approximately 135°F (57°C) for several minutes. This temperature is high enough to eliminate dangerous pathogens while maintaining most of the juice’s flavor and nutritional content.

When juice is not pasteurized, it retains all of its natural enzymes and potentially more of its original nutrients, but it also retains any harmful microorganisms that may have been present on the fruits or vegetables used to make it.

Common Terms for Unpasteurized Juice

When shopping for juice, you may encounter several terms that indicate whether a product is pasteurized or not:

• Raw juice: This term almost always indicates unpasteurized juice. Raw juice has not been treated with heat or high-pressure processing.
• Fresh-squeezed juice: Often unpasteurized, especially when sold at juice bars or farmers’ markets, though some bottled fresh-squeezed juices may be pasteurized.
• Cold-pressed juice: This refers to the extraction method and doesn’t necessarily indicate pasteurization status. Cold-pressed juice can be either pasteurized or unpasteurized.
• Fresh juice: Similar to raw juice, unless explicitly labeled as pasteurized, fresh juice is typically unpasteurized and has a short shelf life.

Alternative Pasteurization Methods

Besides traditional heat pasteurization, some juice manufacturers use high pressure processing (HPP), also known as pascalization or cold pasteurization. This method uses extreme pressure instead of heat to destroy harmful microorganisms while better preserving the juice’s fresh taste and nutritional content.

HPP-treated juice is considered safe like heat-pasteurized juice, though it typically has a shorter shelf life than traditionally pasteurized products.

How to Identify Unpasteurized Juice

Understanding how to identify whether juice is pasteurized or unpasteurized is essential for making safe choices, especially for vulnerable populations.

Signs of Pasteurized Juice

Juice is likely pasteurized if it is:

• Sold in shelf-stable packaging (cans, boxes, or bottles stored at room temperature)
• Labeled as “pasteurized” or “heat-treated”
• Available as frozen concentrate
• Has a long expiration date (several months to a year)
• Found in the non-refrigerated section of grocery stores

Signs of Unpasteurized Juice

Juice is likely unpasteurized if it is:

• Sold only in refrigerated sections
• Made fresh at juice bars or smoothie shops
• Available at farmers’ markets
• Labeled as “raw” or “unpasteurized”
• Has a very short expiration date (usually 3-5 days)
• Made at home with a juicer or blender
• Bears a warning label about potential health risks

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires unpasteurized juice products to carry a warning label stating: “WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.”

However, this warning label requirement does not apply to juice sold directly to consumers at the location where it was made, such as at juice bars, farm stands, or farmers’ markets.

Is Unpasteurized Juice Safe to Drink?

The safety of unpasteurized juice depends on several factors, including how the produce was grown and handled, the cleanliness of the juicing equipment, storage conditions, and the health status of the person consuming it.

Potential Health Risks

Unpasteurized juice poses a higher risk of foodborne illness compared to pasteurized juice. Fresh fruits and vegetables can harbor harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses on their surfaces. When these products are juiced without subsequent pasteurization, any pathogens present can contaminate the final product.

Research has identified several dangerous microorganisms in unpasteurized juice samples, including:

• E. coli (Escherichia coli): Certain strains can cause severe intestinal infections, leading to bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in serious cases, kidney failure.
• Salmonella: This bacterium causes food poisoning with symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
• Cryptosporidium: A parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis, resulting in watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration.
• Listeria monocytogenes: Particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.

Studies examining unpasteurized juice samples have found concerning levels of bacterial contamination. Research analyzing unpasteurized fruit juices found that a significant percentage contained bacteria, with some samples showing dangerous levels of E. coli and other pathogens.

Who Should Avoid Unpasteurized Juice?

While many healthy adults can safely consume unpasteurized juice, certain groups face higher risks of severe illness from foodborne pathogens:

• Pregnant women: Foodborne illness during pregnancy can harm both mother and baby, potentially causing miscarriage, premature delivery, or serious infections in newborns.
• Young children: Children under five have developing immune systems that are less capable of fighting off infections.
• Older adults: Age-related changes in the immune system increase vulnerability to foodborne illness.
• People with weakened immune systems: This includes individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and people with autoimmune diseases.

The FDA specifically recommends that these high-risk groups avoid unpasteurized juice entirely and choose only pasteurized options.

When Unpasteurized Juice Can Be Safe

For healthy individuals with normal immune function, unpasteurized juice can be safe when:

• Fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed before juicing
• Juicing equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized
• The juice is consumed immediately or stored properly in the refrigerator
• The juice is consumed within 2-3 days of preparation
• The juice comes from a reputable source that follows strict hygiene practices

Nutritional Comparison: Unpasteurized vs. Pasteurized Juice

One of the main arguments in favor of unpasteurized juice is that it may retain more nutrients than pasteurized juice. However, the scientific evidence on this topic presents a more nuanced picture.

Impact of Pasteurization on Nutrients

Heat treatment can affect certain nutrients in juice, particularly heat-sensitive vitamins and beneficial plant compounds. However, the extent of nutrient loss varies depending on:

• The type of fruit or vegetable being juiced
• The specific pasteurization temperature and duration
• The pasteurization method used (traditional heat vs. HPP)
• Storage conditions and duration after processing

Research Findings

Studies examining the nutritional differences between pasteurized and unpasteurized juices have yielded mixed results:

Vitamin C: Some studies show modest reductions in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content after pasteurization, while others find minimal differences. The storage time and temperature after juicing appear to have a greater impact on vitamin C levels than pasteurization itself.

Antioxidants: Research on orange juice found that both heat pasteurization and HPP caused some decrease in carotenoid levels and antioxidant activity. However, other studies on passion fruit juice found that pasteurized samples actually contained higher levels of certain antioxidants.

Phenolic compounds: These beneficial plant compounds may be slightly reduced by heat pasteurization, but the differences are often small. Interestingly, HPP treatment has been shown to increase certain phenolic compounds in some juices.

Enzymes: Raw, unpasteurized juice retains natural enzymes present in fruits and vegetables. While these enzymes are destroyed during pasteurization, it’s important to note that digestive enzymes in the stomach also break down most dietary enzymes, so the practical benefit of consuming these enzymes in juice is debatable.

The Verdict on Nutrition

While unpasteurized juice may retain slightly more of certain nutrients, the differences are generally modest and may not translate to significant health benefits. Both pasteurized and unpasteurized juices can be nutritious options as part of a balanced diet.

For most people, the nutritional advantages of unpasteurized juice do not outweigh the potential safety risks, especially given that the nutrient differences are often minimal.

Drawbacks of Unpasteurized Juice

Beyond the safety concerns, unpasteurized juice has other practical disadvantages to consider.

Short Shelf Life

Unpasteurized juice spoils quickly, typically remaining fresh for only 2-3 days when properly refrigerated. In contrast, pasteurized juice can last for weeks when refrigerated and months or even years when shelf-stable and unopened.

This short shelf life means:

• More frequent shopping trips or juicing sessions
• Higher risk of waste if the juice isn’t consumed quickly
• Need for constant refrigeration
• Limited convenience for busy lifestyles

Higher Cost

Unpasteurized juice is typically more expensive than pasteurized alternatives. Fresh-pressed juice from juice bars can cost $8-12 per bottle, while comparable pasteurized juice might cost $3-5.

If you’re making juice at home, you’ll need to invest in a quality juicer (ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars) and purchase fresh produce regularly, which can be costly depending on your location and whether you buy organic.

Availability

Unpasteurized juice is not as widely available as pasteurized juice. You’ll typically need to visit specialty stores, farmers’ markets, or juice bars, or make it yourself at home. This limited availability can be inconvenient for some consumers.

How to Safely Consume Unpasteurized Juice

If you choose to drink unpasteurized juice and are not in a high-risk group, following these safety guidelines can help minimize your risk of foodborne illness.

When Purchasing Unpasteurized Juice

• Buy from reputable sources: Choose juice from establishments with good hygiene practices and a solid reputation for food safety.
• Check the label: Look for warning labels and production dates. Choose the freshest juice possible.
• Inspect the product: Avoid juice that looks discolored, has an off smell, or shows signs of spoilage.
• Keep it cold: Transport juice home quickly and refrigerate immediately. Don’t leave it at room temperature.
• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask juice bar employees about their cleaning procedures and how recently the juice was made.

When Making Juice at Home

• Wash your hands: Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before handling produce and equipment.
• Clean produce properly: Rinse all fruits and vegetables under running water, scrubbing firm-skinned produce with a clean brush. Even if you plan to peel the produce, wash it first to prevent transferring bacteria from the surface to the flesh.
• Sanitize equipment: Clean your juicer, cutting boards, knives, and all surfaces that come into contact with produce or juice. Disassemble juicer parts and wash thoroughly with hot, soapy water after each use.
• Refrigerate promptly: Store fresh juice in clean, airtight containers in the refrigerator immediately after making it.
• Use within 2-3 days: Consume homemade juice quickly, ideally within 24-48 hours for best quality and safety.
• When in doubt, throw it out: If juice develops an unusual smell, taste, or appearance, discard it.

Pasteurizing Juice at Home

If you want the benefits of fresh juice with added safety, you can pasteurize your homemade juice:

1. Pour the fresh juice into a clean saucepan
2. Heat the juice to 160°F (71°C) using a food thermometer to monitor temperature
3. Maintain this temperature for at least 6 seconds
4. Remove from heat and cool quickly by placing the pan in an ice bath
5. Transfer to clean containers and refrigerate immediately

This process will significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness while maintaining most of the juice’s nutritional value.

Understanding Juice Labels and Regulations

The FDA regulates juice labeling to help consumers make informed choices about the products they purchase.

Required Warning Labels

Since 1998, the FDA has required packaged unpasteurized juice to carry a warning label. This regulation came in response to several serious outbreaks of foodborne illness linked to unpasteurized apple juice and orange juice.

The required warning must be prominently displayed and clearly state that the product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria.

Exemptions from Labeling Requirements

Certain unpasteurized juices are exempt from the warning label requirement:

• Juice sold directly to consumers at the location where it’s made (juice bars, farm stands)
• Juice used as an ingredient in other foods
• Juice that has been treated with an alternative process proven to achieve the same level of pathogen reduction as pasteurization

What to Look For

When reading juice labels, look for:

• Clear indication of pasteurization status
• Production or “pressed on” date
• Expiration or “best by” date
• Storage instructions
• List of ingredients (some juices contain added sugars or preservatives)
• Nutritional information

Special Considerations for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy deserves special attention when discussing unpasteurized juice safety. Pregnant women experience changes in their immune system that make them more susceptible to foodborne illness.

Risks During Pregnancy

Certain pathogens that may be present in unpasteurized juice pose particular risks during pregnancy:

• Listeria: Can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, potentially causing miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
• Toxoplasma: May cause serious complications including brain damage and vision problems in the developing baby.
• E. coli and Salmonella: Can cause severe dehydration and other complications that may affect pregnancy outcomes.

Official Recommendations

The FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all recommend that pregnant women avoid unpasteurized juice entirely.

Pregnant women should:

• Choose only pasteurized juice products
• Read labels carefully to verify pasteurization
• Ask about pasteurization status when dining out or at juice bars
• Avoid fresh-squeezed juice unless certain it has been pasteurized

Juice Cleanses and Detox Diets

Unpasteurized juice is often promoted as part of juice cleanses or detox diets. It’s important to understand both the safety and efficacy of these practices.

Safety Concerns with Juice Cleanses

Juice cleanses typically involve consuming only fresh juice for several days. This practice raises additional safety concerns:

• Extended exposure to potentially contaminated juice increases infection risk
• Caloric restriction may weaken immune function, making individuals more susceptible to foodborne illness
• Lack of solid food may affect digestive system function
• Potential for nutrient imbalances

Limited Scientific Support

Despite their popularity, juice cleanses lack strong scientific support for their purported benefits. The human body has its own efficient detoxification systems (primarily the liver and kidneys) that don’t require special diets to function properly.

The Environmental and Economic Impact

Beyond personal health considerations, the choice between pasteurized and unpasteurized juice has broader implications.

Food Waste

The short shelf life of unpasteurized juice can contribute to food waste if the product spoils before consumption. This waste includes both the juice itself and all the resources used to produce, transport, and sell it.

Supporting Local Businesses

On the positive side, purchasing unpasteurized juice from local juice bars, farmers’ markets, or farm stands can support local businesses and farmers, contributing to the local economy and potentially reducing transportation-related environmental impacts.

Resource Use

Making juice at home requires significant amounts of fresh produce—typically much more than you would eat whole. For example, making one glass of orange juice might require 4-6 oranges. This concentrated use of produce resources is worth considering from both nutritional and environmental perspectives.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re interested in the benefits of fresh juice but concerned about safety, cost, or convenience, consider these alternatives:

Pasteurized Fresh Juice

Some brands offer juice that tastes fresh but has been pasteurized or treated with HPP. These products offer a middle ground between safety and fresh flavor.

Whole Fruits and Vegetables

Eating whole produce provides all the nutrients of juice plus fiber, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes feelings of fullness. Whole fruits and vegetables are generally safer than juice because the intact skin provides a natural barrier against pathogens.

Smoothies

Unlike juicing, which removes fiber, blending whole fruits and vegetables into smoothies retains all the beneficial fiber. You can also add nutritious ingredients like yogurt, nuts, or seeds to boost protein and healthy fats.

Infused Water

For a refreshing, low-calorie alternative, try infusing water with fresh fruit, vegetables, or herbs. This provides subtle flavor and some nutrients without the concentrated sugars found in juice.

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing between pasteurized and unpasteurized juice ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and priorities.

Choose Pasteurized Juice If:

• You are pregnant, very young, elderly, or have a compromised immune system
• You prefer maximum safety and minimal risk of foodborne illness
• You want longer shelf life and better convenience
• You’re looking for more affordable options
• You want products widely available at most stores

Unpasteurized Juice May Be Appropriate If:

• You are a healthy adult with a normal immune system
• You prefer the taste of fresh juice
• You’re willing to accept a small risk of foodborne illness
• You can afford the higher cost
• You can consume the juice within 2-3 days
• You have access to reputable sources or can make it safely at home

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell if unpasteurized juice has gone bad?

Signs that juice has spoiled include an off or fermented smell, unusual appearance (cloudiness, separation, or discoloration), fizzing or bubbling, and sour or unpleasant taste. However, harmful bacteria may be present even when juice looks, smells, and tastes normal, which is why following expiration dates and storage guidelines is essential.

Does freezing unpasteurized juice make it safe?

Freezing does not kill bacteria; it only slows or stops their growth. When frozen juice is thawed, any bacteria present will become active again. Freezing can help extend the usable life of unpasteurized juice, but it doesn’t eliminate food safety risks.

Is cold-pressed juice always unpasteurized?

No, cold-pressed refers only to the extraction method. Cold-pressed juice may be unpasteurized (raw), heat pasteurized, or treated with HPP. Always check the label or ask the manufacturer about the pasteurization status.

Can organic produce make unpasteurized juice safer?

While organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, it is not necessarily free from harmful bacteria. Organic fruits and vegetables can still carry pathogens from soil, water, or handling. All produce should be thoroughly washed before juicing, regardless of whether it’s organic or conventional.

How long can unpasteurized juice be left at room temperature?

Unpasteurized juice should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F). Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, significantly increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Conclusion

Unpasteurized juice offers a fresh, flavorful beverage option that may contain slightly more of certain nutrients compared to pasteurized alternatives. However, it also carries a higher risk of foodborne illness due to potential contamination with harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses.

For healthy adults who are not in high-risk groups, unpasteurized juice can be safely enjoyed when proper food safety practices are followed. This includes purchasing from reputable sources, properly washing and handling produce, maintaining good hygiene during preparation, and consuming juice quickly while keeping it properly refrigerated.

However, pregnant women, young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems should avoid unpasteurized juice entirely and choose pasteurized options instead. The potential health risks simply outweigh any modest nutritional advantages for these vulnerable populations.

Ultimately, whether you choose pasteurized or unpasteurized juice, remember that juice should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole fruits and vegetables. The fiber, satiety, and complete nutritional package of whole produce generally makes it a superior choice to juice for meeting your daily fruit and vegetable needs.

By understanding the differences between pasteurized and unpasteurized juice and following appropriate safety guidelines, you can make informed decisions that align with your health status, lifestyle, and preferences.

Sources:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration – What You Need to Know About Juice Safety
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Unpasteurized Drinks
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Microbiological Safety of Fruit Juices
• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service – Juice Safety
• ScienceDirect – High Pressure Processing of Fruit Juices
• FoodSafety.gov – Food Storage Guidelines
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Listeria and Pregnancy