Where does 100% juice fit into the USDA’s new My Pyramid food guidance system?
According to MyPyramid, “Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the fruit group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed.” In general, 1/2 cup of fruit or 100% fruit juice equals ½ cup from the fruit group. More information about selecting a healthful diet and where fruit juice fits in can be found at www.mypyramid.gov. What do research studies show regarding the amount of 100% juice children are consuming? The latest research that evaluates the amount of 100% juice consumed shows that children are consuming these nutritious fruit juices in the amounts recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to the latest data, the average consumption for children under the age of six was at or below the AAP recommendation.
