While sugar-sweetened beverages are generally recognized as being bad for our health, 100% fruit juice has a bit of a “health halo”—we assume it’s good for us because fruit is good for us. A recent analysis of available research suggests intake of 100% fruit juice is associated with weight gain, particularly in children.
The study looked at 17 studies involving children and 25 involving adults. In children, even one serving of 100% fruit juice a day was associated with a higher body mass index. The findings were less clear for adults, as study design and quality varied, but the authors concluded that it is wise for all age groups to limit consumption of fruit juice to prevent intake of excess calories and subsequent weight gain.
This doesn’t mean 100% fruit juice needs to be avoided altogether. Just be aware that, while water and plain coffee, tea, and seltzer quench thirst without calories, fruit juice (even 100% natural and/or organic) does add calories without adding much to fullness or satisfaction.