Practical and apparently healthy, fruit juices often contain too much sugar. «A 200 ml brick can even supply 30 g: a high dose, especially if the drink is consumed by children», warns nutritionist Diana Scatozza. «For example, the daily amount not to be exceeded for a 6-year-old child is 33 g.
That's why I put in my ranking of organic pear juices in the first places the less sweet products and those offered in mini portions". But what are the other criteria to follow to ensure the best in terms of both well-being and quality? Here they are.
More fruit, less sugar
"First of all I read the label and gave a note of merit to the products prepared with pears from the country and with the highest percentages of puree (juice and pulp)", explains food technologist Giorgio Donegani.
«On the other hand, I did not differentiate between the samples containing cane sugar (most of them) and those sweetened with concentrated apple or grape juice or agape; nor among those with lemon juice or citric and ascorbic acid, ingredients that all serve to avoid oxidation. As far as the packaging is concerned, those in glass are more sustainable for the environment, a “plus” which I took into account in the final evaluation ».
Sensory analysis
«I checked the color, which must be yellow (more or less clear), but not browned (sign of oxidation). I then analyzed the perfume, which must be smelled (in some cases it was too light) and “taste” of pear, without notes of terracotta », continues our expert.
«In the mouth I therefore evaluated the consistency, which must not be watery but not too dense, being a drink, and the flavor, which must be fresh and typical. Finally, as always, I took into account the price ».
ORGANIC PEAR JUICES, THE BEST 4
Ecor: € 2,40 the package with 3 200 ml bricks (€ 4 / l).
The strong point. The high dose of fruit.
This juice claims on the label a pear puree content (of the country) of 60%, higher than that of the other products in the test. It is sweetened with grape sugar and lemon is used as an antioxidant. At the opening it has a typical light yellow color, with a well perceptible pear.
The consistency is not too liquid and the taste is very well balanced with a non-invasive sweet note, which leaves the aroma of the fruit well perceived.
The cost is medium-high, but justified by the high quality.
In 100 ml: 8,9 g of carbohydrates (of which 6,7 g sugars), 39 cal.
Bio, packaged for MD: € 0,99 the package with 3 200 ml bricks (€ 1,65 / l).
The strong point. The price.
Pear puree (100% of the country) makes up half of the product. The rest is represented by water and cane sugar. On opening, the juice is light yellow in color, with no signs of browning. The scent is sufficiently intense and characteristic and in the mouth the consistency is not too watery.
The taste is pleasant, not excessively sweet and quite strong. The price is by far the lowest of the test products, while the quality is also comparable to that of the more expensive competitors.
In 100 ml: 13 g of carbohydrates (of which 12,3 g sugars), 54 cal.
Esselunga: € 1,59 per pack with 3 200 ml bricks (€ 2,65 per liter).
The strong point. Le pere del paesene.
The product contains 50% pear puree (from the country) and is sweetened with cane sugar. It also contains lemon juice and ascorbic acid as an antioxidant. Upon observation, the nectar has a light yellow color, homogeneous, with no signs of browning.
The scent is very light, characteristic and pleasant. The taste is balanced and not too sweet, perhaps just a little "anonymous", similar to that of other competitors. But given the low price, the evaluation is more than good.
In 100 ml: 13 g of carbohydrates (of which 12,3 g sugars), 54 cal.
Valfrutta: € 3,39 the pack with 6 bottles of 125 ml (€ 4,52 / l).
The strong point. The mini portion.
This juice is made with a minimum of 50% pear puree and is sweetened with brown sugar. Packaged in glass bottles of 125 ml (the mini portion awarded), it has a slightly darker color than normal brick nectars.
The aroma is intense, pleasant and in the mouth you can appreciate the consistency not too liquid or too dense, the graininess of the pear just hinted at, the balanced and natural taste. The price is quite high, but it justifies both the quality of the juice and the sustainability of the package.
In 100 ml: 14,8 g of carbohydrates (of which 14,1 g sugars), 60 cal.
Our lab. Dr. Giorgio Donegani food technologist in Sesto San Giovanni (Milan). Dr. Diana Scatozza specialist in Food Science in Milan.
