Is Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Good For You? Should You Avoid It?

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice

Craving a refreshing drink, but want to avoid the calories? Wondering if switching to Ocean Spray will give you the benefits of pure, unadulterated cranberry juice? 

Well, the Ocean Spray cranberry juice is fairly nourishing since the base is authentic cranberry juice. but isn’t as good as freshly squeezed juice with no added chemicals. 

It is a versatile drink – you have it solo. Or, you can whip up some yummy summer mocktails or party cocktails! Ocean Spray Cranberry juice is also good for dental health. So you won’t have to worry about juice-induced bad breath! 

This article will take you through the composition of Ocean Spray cranberry juices. This way you can make up your mind if you should skip them or get on board! 

What is Ocean Spray cranberry juice good for? 

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice has many health benefits. This beverage keeps your immune system strong. It is rich in Vitamin C which strengthens the body’s ability to fight off infections. It is also rich in a natural compound called polyphenols.

These promote healthy circulation and fortify blood vessels. With abundant antioxidants, it lessens the effect of free radicals. This also has anti-aging properties. Cranberry juice can reduce the likelihood of many diseases, including cancer. 

Ocean Spray cranberry juice ingredients

Ocean Spray has plenty of different variants and so it is difficult to sum them all up in one ingredients list. But the following ingredients are common to all products. 

IngredientFunction
Juice extracts or concentrates Cranberry is the base. There are also grape, apple, pear, berries, and lemon juices added for tartness. 
Pectin This starchy fiber regulates consistency. 
Fumaric and Malic Acid These are stabilizing agents that blend in and level out flavor and color.
Ascorbic Acid This natural form of Vitamin C is added as a preservative. It prevents rancidity. 
Vegetable extracts These are used as natural coloring. 
Ester Gum or Gum Arabic These emulsifiers allow even distribution of sugar and oil. They prevent them from separating and staying suspended in the liquid. 

Pure Cranberry juice contains only water and cranberry juice concentrate. Other ingredients are added to the basic mix based on flavor and range.

Ocean Spray Nutrition Facts

The table below details the nutrition facts per serving for standard Cranberry Juice drinks. These vary based on the number and type of juice concentrates added. These values remain the same irrespective of size. The sizes include- 6, 10, 12, 18, 25, 64, and 96 ounces packs.

NutrientAmount Additional Comments 
Sodium 10-30 mg depending on the flavor These are average values. They change from one drink to the other. There are special juice varieties that contain added B Vitamins, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Vitamin C60-90mg 
Protein Dietary Fiber Fats (Both trans fats and saturated fats) Vitamin D CalciumNo considerable amount
Carbohydrates 22-28 grams 

Diet Ocean Spray Nutrition Facts 

This table details the nutrition facts of each serving of the Ocean Spray Diet Cranberry juice range. 

NutrientAmount Additional Comments 
Sodium 30-40 mgThese are average values. They change from one drink to the other. There are special juice varieties that contain added B Vitamins, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Vitamin C18 mg 
Protein Dietary Fiber Fats (Both trans fats and saturated fats) Vitamin D CalciumNo considerable amount
Carbohydrates 2 grams

How many calories are in Ocean Spray cranberry juice? 

The number of calories in Ocean Spray Cranberry Juices varies immensely. It depends on which fruit juices are used in the mix. It also depends on the specific range and its ingredients. 

The standard Ocean Spray cranberry juice drinks have about 100 calories per serving. Each serving is one cup or 240 ml. The Diet options have only 5 calories for the same portion size. Cran.Energy juices are smaller bottles. The bottle is equal to one serving. These contain about 40 calories.

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice safe during pregnancy? 

Ocean Spray cranberry juice is a welcome companion during pregnancy. Expecting mothers often suffer from bacterial infections. Cranberry juice may help keep these at bay. 

It also provides a nutrient boost. The juice contains Vitamins E and K1. It also contains minerals like copper and manganese. These contribute to the unborn baby’s healthy development. They also contribute to the mother’s overall well-being. 

Cranberries also help with edema or water retention. They reduce inflammation and regulate your fluid balance. Excess amounts may cause diarrhea, but probably no other serious negative effects. Opt for the zero sugar varieties. Too much sugar intake can lead to gestational diabetes. 

It can also be a shot in the arm when nursing. Especially since breastfeeding can zap energy. 

Does Ocean Spray cranberry juice contain sugar?

Ocean Spray Cranberry juice does contain sugar. Some varieties contain added sugar. The Cranberry fruit itself has high natural sugar content. Cranberry juice would have at least 9 grams of sugar. With additional concentrated juice extracts, this rises to about 23-26 grams. 

Added-sugar varieties are comparable to the usual sodas or energy drinks. But there is a healthier option in the form of the Diet Cranberry juice drink. They only have one gram of sugar. 

Does Ocean Spray cranberry juice contain caffeine?

Ocean Spray Pure Cranberry, 100% Cranberry, and Diet Cranberry drinks do not contain caffeine. Other varieties contain varying amounts of caffeine. The Ocean Spray Brew bottle contains about 5 mg of caffeine per serving. This is about 40 mg of caffeine for the whole bottle of 12 fluid ounces.

The Ocean Spray Wave range consists of canned sparkling juices. These 8 or 12-ounce cans all contain 50 mg of caffeine. The caffeine is taken from black or green tea extracts. Cran.Energy also contains 75 mg of naturally-sourced caffeine per bottle.  

Does Ocean Spray cranberry juice contain Vitamin C?

Ocean Spray cranberry juices are rich in Vitamin C.  The regular juices have about 90 mg of Vitamin C in one serving. The cranberry juice cocktails have about 60 mg of this nutrient. One serving covers the daily requirement for this vitamin. 

Vitamin C is essential for several body functions. It aids the healthy development of cells and tissue. It also repairs damaged tissue and promotes healing. This vitamin is crucial for red blood cells to absorb oxygen. Vitamin C revitalizes skin, leaving it fresh and youthful. 

Does Ocean Spray cranberry juice contain fructose or high-fructose corn syrup? 

Ocean Spray cranberry juice doesn’t contain any fructose. It doesn’t use high-fructose corn syrup either. 

Fructose is a widely used sugar substitute. But this alternative is actually just as bad as sugar. It is easily absorbed into the body and packs on carbs. It also contributes to diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle diseases in the long term. 

The sugar-free Ocean Spray cranberry juices don’t use fructose or sugar. They use juice extracts to sweeten the drink. This could be cherry, mango, or pineapple, amongst others. The added-sugar varieties use regular table sugar. 

Does Ocean Spray cranberry juice contain Red Dye? 

The Ocean Spray Diet ranges do contain Red Dye 40. It is added to the Diet, Cran.Energy, 100%, and Sparkling cranberry juice ranges. The dye gives the drink that rich, blood-red color of ripe cranberries.  

Red Dye 40 is not considered a serious health hazard if used below regulated levels. It has been linked to allergic reactions and psychological problems like ADHD. It has also been associated with carcinogenic properties. There is no evidence to support these concerns though. 

Does Ocean Spray cranberry juice contain potassium? 

Most Ocean Spray cranberry juice drinks don’t have any potassium. There are a few exceptions including the Cran.Grapefruit and Pure cranberry drinks. In the other ranges, potassium levels are negligible.   

If you want a potassium supplement, try the Ocean Spray Juices with added benefits. The Revitalize Cranberry-Pomegranate and Immunity Cranberry Blueberry Acai have 100-120 mg of potassium. 

Potassium improves brain and nervous system function. It also regulates blood pressure, reduces hypertension, and maintains cardiac health. 

Does Ocean Spray cranberry juice contain iodine? 

Ocean Spray cranberry juices are rich in iodine. They don’t have any artificial or added iodine. But cranberries themselves are rich in this element. The concentrated cranberry juice will have at least 100-200 mg of iodine if not more. 

Iodine is crucial for thyroid function. Deficiencies can cause gout, depression, and weight gain. But Iodine is a trace element. So over-consumption is poisonous. It can cause anything from abdominal pain or delirium to a life-threatening coma. 

Does Ocean Spray cranberry juice contain gluten?

Ocean Spray cranberry juices are all gluten-free. So are all the other brand drinks, sauces, and dried fruits. Most trail mixes are also 100% gluten-free. But chocolate-covered cranberry products may contain traces of gluten. 

Ocean Spray’s third-party suppliers are also verified as gluten-free. But common manufacturing and processing facilities are used. So there is a minute risk of cross-contamination. If you have severe allergies or immune responses, be extra cautious. 

The cranberry juice is highly unlikely to make you sick. But better safe than sorry! 

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice good for UTIs? What about bacterial infections?

Ocean Spray Cranberry juice can help stave off UTIs. Cranberry juice is brimming with compounds called proanthocyanidins. These naturally-occurring chemicals prevent bacteria from clinging to the uterine wall. 

They also prevent the breeding of bacteria. This ensures the infection doesn’t get aggravated. The juice flushes out the bacteria in your urine. A similar process happens in the urethra and the bladder. Cranberry juice stops the infection from moving towards organs like the bladder. 

Painful inflammation and possible serious effects can be reduced to a certain extent. But don’t rely solely on Ocean Spray juices. Medication is a must. Ocean Spray can only be a supplement at most.  

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice good for detox? 

Ocean Spray cranberry doesn’t detox. The efficacy of juice detoxes, in general, is being questioned by experts. What it can do is hydrate and give you a nutrient boost. It can promote body functions. It helps the lymphatic system flush out impurities. 

It does this by metabolizing the fat deposits and blocking the drainage system. It assists liver function so noxious chemicals don’t accumulate. It also contributes to robust blood flow and digestive function. This action assists in the ejection of harmful waste from the body. 

But don’t expect overnight cleansing. Remember that excess natural sugar can also wreck detoxing. 

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice good for diabetics? 

You can drink Ocean Spray Cranberry juice if you are diabetic. Choose the sugar-free juice drinks. Or diabetes-friendly juices with sucralose (Splenda) or Ace-K. Since the juice is naturally sweet, consult a doctor on quantities.  

Unsweetened Ocean Spray cranberry juice may offer some health benefits to diabetics. Medically-regulated amounts may minimize the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

For existing diabetics, it may help to balance blood sugar levels. But too much can trigger insulin resistance. So, maintain a fine balance. 

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice good for kidneys? 

Ocean Spray is safe for your kidneys. But it isn’t particularly helpful. It may remove some bacteria and contribute to optimal kidney functioning. But too much cranberry juice can have the reverse effect. It produces oxalates which trigger kidney-stone formation. 

Try the low-sodium options if you have kidney disease. You can have limited amounts of unsweetened Ocean Spray. But avoid the varieties with potassium. This compound can be fatal for people on dialysis or experiencing kidney failure. 

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice good for weight loss?

Ocean Spray cranberry juice can help with weight loss. It is just a good substitute for high-calorie foods and beverages. The Diet ranges only have 5 calories. It helps you stay below your daily calorie limits without sacrificing a refreshing beverage. 

Cranberries may boost metabolism. It makes the fat-burning process a little easier. Cranberry juice helps to break down and emulsify fat molecules. This can make fat excretion rapid which provides a fillip when trimming down. 

You need to stick to a calorie-deficient diet and exercise. Ocean Spray won’t have any effect on its own. 

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice good for yeast infections?

Ocean Spray Cranberry juice may or may not help with yeast infections. These vaginal infections are also caused by bacteria. The antioxidants and Vitamin C may help with removing bacterial biofilm. These may form on the vaginal walls. 

But there is very little research to prove this effect. Most yeast infections will need a course of antibiotics. Especially in severe cases, natural remedies will not suffice. You don’t want to let the infection fester without proper medical care.

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice good for gastritis? Is it acidic?

Ocean Spray cranberry juice may help with gastritis. It has antibacterial properties which fight off the H.Pylori bacterium. This bacterium is responsible for rupturing the stomach and intestine walls. When the protective lining is damaged, stomach (peptic) ulcers can form. 

But it is also very acidic and tart. Acidity worsens and aggravates the open wound. It can cause reflux and bleeding. Ocean Spray also lacks any significant dietary fibers which could minimize the symptoms of gastritis. 

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice vegan?

Ocean Spray cranberry juices are not vegan. The sugar may be processed through bone-char filtration. This process uses ground animal bones to refine and whiten sugar. 

Many juices are also filtered through a bovine (cow) gelatin formula. This removes cloudiness from liquids like apple juice. Their flavors don’t use animal products. But they could be testing ingredients on animals. 

For example, Red Dye 40 is vegan. But it was tested on animals until a few years ago. 

If your veganism is restricted to avoiding meat and dairy, Ocean Spray meets that benchmark. But technically it doesn’t meet vegan requirements. 

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice low-FODMAP? 

Most Ocean Spray cranberry juices are okay if you are on a low-FODMAP diet. This diet prohibits fructose but allows sugar. This is good news because Ocean Spray avoids fructose completely. They only use sugar, which is tolerated in this diet.  

Cranberries are naturally low in fructose. It won’t aggravate your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  But Ocean Spray may not be suitable if you suffer from acid reflux as well. 

Avoid the juice flavors like Cran.Mango, Cran.Cherry and Cran.Watermelon. These fruits are high in fructose. They will worsen gastrointestinal issues. Opt for fruit flavors like pineapple, strawberries, and blueberry. These are more comforting to the digestive system. 

Can dogs drink Ocean Spray cranberry juice?

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice isn’t a dog’s drink! Many of the juices contain grape juice or concentrate. This is extremely toxic for dogs. Juices without grape juice are also risky. Ocean Spray can be highly acidic and harsh for dogs. 

Vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive distress are frequent symptoms. If you want to get rid of canine UTIs, use a few fresh cranberries. Consult a vet before feeding your pooch the berries or juice. Only feed them small amounts, if at all.

Is Ocean Spray cranberry juice pasteurized? 

All Ocean Spray Cranberry Juices are pasteurized. There are two methods of doing so. These are low-temperature and high-temperature pasteurization. In the first, juices are heated to temperatures around 60-70 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes.

In the second, they are flash-heated at temperatures between 95-98 degrees Celsius for about 30 seconds. The temperature is maintained just below the boiling point.  Then the liquid is cooled down. Pasteurizing makes consumption safe by eliminating pathogenic germs.   

This sterilizing process prevents spoilage and extends shelf-life. 

Can Ocean Spray cranberry juice go bad? Can you drink expired Ocean Spray?

Despite pasteurization, Ocean Spray cranberry juices will go bad. Expiry dates are printed on the label. They differ from one batch to another. On average, an unopened pack should last from 6-18 months from manufacture. 

Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a week. You can tell if the juice has gone bad by the taste, smell, and color. It will smell and taste rather pungent or sour. You may also notice discoloration. 

You can safely drink expired Ocean Spray for a week or so after expiry. But past this, you will get sick with a nasty stomach bug. 

Can you freeze Ocean Spray cranberry juice? 

You can freeze Ocean Spray cranberry juice. The ice-cold temperatures will preserve its goodness for longer. This is a loophole you can use to prolong the date of expiration. You may be able to keep it relatively fresh past the use-by date.  

Store in an airtight bottle with a strongly sealed cap. Don’t use silicone bottles or molds. They absorb the smells of the freezer. You don’t want to end up with juice that smells like frozen fish sticks! 

How healthy is Ocean Spray cranberry juice? 

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice is a fairly healthy beverage. There are also low-calorie options if you are weight-watching. The options are much healthier compared to several other carbonated and processed drinks on the market.  

Ocean Spray may have equivalent amounts of sugar to competing drinks in some cases. But it also provides nutrition. Many other flavored juices and drinks don’t offset their unhealthy components with nourishment.

But moderate your intake. There are some nutrients, but they are limited. Adding 1-2 glasses to your daily routine can be beneficial. Up your liquid intake with an enriched, tasty drink.  

If you’re convinced, skip the sodas and grab an Ocean Spray the next time you’re parched. At the very least, you’d have met your fruit quota for the day! 

References:

  1. https://allthatpower.oceanspray.com/
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ocean-spray-funding-research-on-cranberries
Anand Srinivasan
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