Ocean Spray

Our rating for the Ocean Spray Cran•Cherry® Cranberry Cherry Juice Drink is 3 out of 5 green leaves. This rating reflects its status as an average choice among the myriad of food options available to health-conscious consumers. The product is not organic and does not use non-GMO ingredients, which accounts for a significant reduction in its score. Additionally, the presence of added sugars and potentially harmful additives further impacts its standing on our scale.

The ingredients list for the Cran•Cherry® juice drink includes filtered water, sugar, cranberry juice from concentrate, cherry juice from concentrate, and several additives such as fumaric acid, ascorbic acid, vegetable concentrate for color, citric acid, and pectin. Notably, it contains added sugar, which is a drawback for those looking to minimize their sugar intake. The product also includes ‘Natural Flavor,’ a term that covers a range of possible ingredients, some of which could be undesirable to consumers seeking the purest food options.

The beverage is fortified with ascorbic acid, a source of vitamin C, which could be seen as a benefit. However, the lack of organic certification and the possible inclusion of GMOs are factors that might deter some customers. The use of vegetable concentrate for color is a positive aspect, as it suggests a preference for natural colorants over synthetic ones.

This product occupies a middle ground in the landscape of juice drinks. It does not stand out as a leader in healthfulness, but neither is it among the least healthy options. Consumers who prioritize organic and non-GMO ingredients, as well as those who are cautious about added sugars and ambiguous additives, may find this juice drink less than ideal. However, for those who are looking for a moderately healthy juice option and are less concerned about organic certification or GMOs, this product may suffice.