Old Orchard Brands, Sparta, Mich., expanded its Healthy Balance line of reduced-sugar juice drinks to include two new tropical flavors that fit within the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee's dietary recommendation for a massive reduction in daily sugar intake.
Earlier this year, the committee released a report that estimated that Americans consume as much as 30 teaspoons of sugar each day. In light of this, the committee recommends that consumers reduce their intakes by more than half, allowing for just 12 teaspoons daily for adults.
To help consumers reduce their sugar consumption, Old Orchard Brands’ new Pineapple Orange and Peach Mango varieties contain 5 grams of sugar and 20 calories in each 8-ounce serving. Sweetened with Splenda brand no-calorie sweetener, these juice drinks provide a full-flavored experience without cutting corners on taste, the company says.
"The new guidelines are clear — Americans are consuming far too much sugar," said health expert and Old Orchard consultant Amy Bragagnini in a statement. "A single 20-ounce bottle of sugary cola is going to put you over the recommended sugar intake by nearly 40 percent, so you have to make smarter choices. Healthy Balance has always been a great alternative because of its low sugar profile and the fact that a single serving provides 100 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C."
Pineapple Orange and Peach Mango join the 12 other Healthy Balance varieties, which include Apple, Grape, Cherry, Pomegranate Blueberry Acai and Apple Kiwi Strawberry, among others. The new flavors are available in select grocery stores nationwide in ready-to-drink 64-ounce bottles with a suggested retail price of $2.49 for a bottle.