Apple cider and apple juice may look similar, but they have many differences. While they both originate from apples and are known for their refreshing taste, there are unique characteristics that set the two apart. Understanding how to distinguish between these two beverages will help you select the best option for your needs.
What is Apple Juice?
Apple juice is the liquid extracted from crushing and pressing apples. The juice is then filtered to a translucent golden color and often sweetened.
What is Apple Cider?
Apple cider is the raw and unsweetened liquid made from pressing fresh apples. It is unfiltered, retaining the pulp and sediment, which makes it a more opaque brown color.
7 Differences Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice
1. Sweetness
Apple juice is sweeter than apple cider. While apple juice is naturally sweeter, sugars are added during processing. Apple cider contains no added sugars, meaning it is much more tart and often slightly bitter.
2. Preservatives
The presence of preservatives distinguishes apple juice from apple cider. To make the apple juice shelf stable, preservatives are added during processing. Apple cider, on the other hand, goes through little to no processing and therefore doesn’t contain any preservatives.
3. Color
Apple cider and apple juice differ in color. Apple juice is usually translucent and comes in a variety of golden colors.
Meanwhile, apple cider contains fibrous bits that make it opaque. Apple cider is usually darker in color than apple juice, though sometimes the fibers may settle at the bottom allowing you to see through it.
4. Pasteurization
Whether or not the drink has been pasteurized is another differentiation between apple juice and apple cider. Those who need to watch their consumption of unpasteurized products need to be cautious of apple cider as it is frequently unpasteurized. Apple juice is almost always pasteurized but it’s also a good idea to double check.
5. Shelf Life
The shelf life of apple cider and apple juice differs. Because apple cider doesn’t contain preservatives, after long enough in the pantry, it will begin to ferment, turning it into apple cider vinegar, if left long enough.
Apple juice can go bad, but it won’t ferment due to the preservatives and pasteurization. Either way a good way to tell if apple juice or apple cider is safe to consume is by smelling it before drinking.
6. Labeling
The labeling of apple cider and apple juice is different due to their processing. Apple cider is generally labeled as ‘unfiltered’ or ‘raw,’ indicating a fresher and less processed product. Apple juice, on the other hand, will be labeled with terms like ‘filtered’ or ‘pasteurized,’ to show a processed and more refined product.
Due to the marketing context associated with the word “apple cider” many companies will label their apple juice as apple cider. The only way to know whether it is juice is to look at the color and label to see how the apples are processed. Apple cider, however, will never be incorrectly labeled as apple juice.
7. Uses
Their uses can also distinguish between apple cider and apple juice. Apple juice can be used for drinking with breakfast or lunch and is occasionally used in baking recipes. It will not, however, be sold as ‘mulled’ or ‘spiced’ as apple cider will be.
Apple cider is less bitter when warmed and it is a common beverage to find at fall festivals and marketplaces, though you likely won’t be using it in a baking recipe anytime soon.
8. Where You Buy It
Where you find apple juice and apple cider also differentiates the two beverages. Apple juice is available in the refrigerated section at most grocery stores, but you might have to search a little harder to find apple cider. Apple cider tends to be plentiful at farmers markets and local fairs—somewhere where you likely won’t be able to find apple juice.
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