Frequently asked questions

FRUIT JUICE

Fruit juice can be freshly squeezed (Not From Concentrate) or made from concentrate, where the water lost during the fruit's concentration process is restored. In both instances, the fruit content is exactly 100%. Even if it is not explicitly stated on the packaging, this 100% content is an inherent requirement of the legal definition of "Juice," as no fruit juice is permitted to contain added sugars.

FRUIT NECTAR

Fruit nectar is a beverage crafted from fruit puree or fruit juice, blended with water and, depending on the recipe, sugars, sweeteners, and/or acids to perfectly balance the flavor. In accordance with European regulations, nectars must meet a minimum fruit content requirement, which varies depending on the type of fruit used. While this minimum is 50% in most cases, legislation allows a lower threshold—typically around 25%—for certain highly acidic or intensely flavored fruits, such as lemon, passion fruit, or mango. In all cases, regulations demand that the exact minimum fruit percentage be clearly displayed on the label, ensuring total transparency and accurate information for the consumer.

FRUIT DRINK

A fruit drink may have a fruit content of less than 50%. These beverages can include sugars and/or sweeteners, alongside other ingredients and additives not permitted in standard juices or nectars, such as specific flavorings, colorings, milk, pectins, or extracts. Occasionally, a fruit drink may actually contain a fruit percentage equivalent to or even higher than a nectar. However, it is legally classified as a "Drink" because the recipe includes an added ingredient (like a coloring, flavor, or pectin) that falls outside the strict regulatory framework governing Juices and Nectars.

The concentration process for squeezed juices or fruit purees involves extracting water to reduce their volume and weight by up to six times. The primary objective of this method is to significantly reduce transportation costs.

During this process, no vitamins or minerals are lost; only a portion of the aromatic fraction evaporates. When preparing the final juice from the concentrate, we exclusively add water and the natural aromas recovered from that very same fruit. Because of this, the nutritional and dietary properties of the juice are absolutely identical, whether it is freshly squeezed (direct juice) or made from concentrate.

Both direct juice and juice from concentrate undergo a pasteurization process, which is necessary to prevent fermentation and ensure enzymatic inactivation. Therefore, the final quality of a juice depends on two critical factors: the quality of the raw materials sourced and the pasteurization systems applied, which must be as gentle on the product as possible.

The perfect combination of these two elements results in a final product with optimal organoleptic qualities—delivering exceptional taste, aroma, and freshness.

Our fruit juices and nectars are entirely gluten-free, as neither the fruit nor the ingredients used in their production contain it.

However, please note that our gazpacho includes breadcrumbs and therefore does contain gluten-bearing cereals.

For your safety and peace of mind, we always recommend reviewing the ingredient list and allergen information on each product's label. In strict compliance with current regulations, any presence of gluten is always prominently highlighted.

Some of our products may contain allergens. Specifically, in certain product ranges, we use ingredients that include:

• Milk (in our "Fruit + Milk" products)
• Gluten-bearing cereals (for example, in gazpachos containing breadcrumbs)
• Sulphites (present in products such as wine)

While the vast majority of our fruit juices and nectars are entirely allergen-free, we always recommend reviewing the ingredient list and allergen information on the label of each product.

At Cofrutos, we implement strict quality controls to minimize any risk of cross-contamination and to strictly guarantee food safety.

No. By law, adding sugar to fruit juice is strictly prohibited, regardless of whether it is made from concentrate or freshly squeezed. A fruit juice consists exclusively of fruit, containing only its natural water, nutrients, and naturally occurring sugars, with no artificial additions.

However, as explained in a previous question, it is important to distinguish between fruit juice and fruit nectar. Both products are commonly found on store shelves, but nectars are legally permitted to contain added sugars, honey, or sweeteners.

To easily tell them apart, simply check the label: the legal designation must clearly state whether the product is a "Fruit Juice" or a "Nectar."

In our NO ADDED SUGAR Fruit Drinks range, absolutely no sugar is added to the product. Instead, we use sweeteners. This significantly reduces carbohydrate intake and provides consumers with a clear, lighter alternative to traditional drinks.

By replacing added sugars with sweeteners, we are able to considerably lower the caloric value of the beverage compared to a standard sweetened nectar. However, it is important to note that while no sugar is added during manufacturing, these products still contain the naturally occurring sugars inherent to the fruit itself.

Pasteurization is a treatment our products undergo prior to packaging in order to reduce microorganisms to safe levels and halt enzymatic oxidation processes. This essential procedure guarantees food safety while causing minimal changes to the nutritional value and organoleptic characteristics (taste, aroma, and color) of the beverage.

It is a fundamental process that involves applying a mild thermal treatment—at temperatures below 100°C—which allows the shelf life of our juices to be safely extended for several months after production.

Fruit juices are part of a healthy and balanced diet thanks to their nutritional properties. They provide essential antioxidants and vitamins while helping to keep us hydrated, which is why health experts recommend their consumption.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises a minimum daily intake of 600 grams of fruits and vegetables, which can be achieved by consuming whole fruits as well as fruit and vegetable juices. Given today’s fast-paced lifestyle, where the intake of whole fruits is often insufficient, a fruit juice can serve as an excellent complement. It is worth noting that the sugars present in whole fruit and those in 100% fruit juice are identical in both composition and quantity.

It is important to emphasize that fruit juice contains absolutely no added sugars. For this reason, the WHO considers a daily glass of juice (150-200 ml) to be a valuable part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Furthermore, to clarify the nutritional differences between juices, nectars, and concentrates, industry associations such as ASOZUMOS and the AIJN (European Fruit Juice Association) continuously collaborate with healthcare professionals. Their goal is to provide accurate, science-based information about the properties of juices and actively dispel false myths.