The Truth About Lemonade and Juice: Is It Really Healthier Than Soda?

Prepackaged Lemonade

Wellness Wednesday with EBLUXE CARES

Last week, we talked about soda—and how it’s one of the sneakiest causes of sugar overload and inflammation in our bodies. But this week, let’s talk about something people often think is better…

Lemonade.

Juice.

Fruit punches.

Even the “green juices” in the fridge section.

The truth is: just because something sounds natural doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

🍋 Simply Lemonade Isn’t So Simple

Let’s start with a popular favorite: Simply Lemonade. It sounds like a clean, wholesome option—just lemons and water, right? Unfortunately, not quite.

One 8 oz serving contains up to 28g of sugar.

That’s more sugar than a can of Coke. And most people drink more than one serving at a time.

It also contains:

    •    No fiber

    •    High-fructose concentrated juices

    •    And none of the alkalizing or detoxifying benefits you’d get from fresh lemon and water.

🍎 Fruit Juices vs. Whole Fruits

Juice might come from fruit, but when you remove the fiber, the body treats it like straight sugar.

    •    Apple juice: 24–28g of sugar per cup

    •    Orange juice: 22–26g of sugar per cup

    •    Grape juice: 36g+ per cup

Compare that to eating a whole apple or orange, which includes fiber, nutrients, and slower digestion.

Juices spike your blood sugar and insulin levels—just like soda—but with a “healthy” label slapped on.

🧃 What About Kids’ Juices?

For our little ones, it’s just as concerning.

Juice boxes like Capri Sun, Minute Maid, and Hi-C can contain 16–25g of sugar per pouch—which exceeds a child’s daily limit for added sugar.

These sweet drinks build sugar tolerance early, increase risk for childhood obesity, and make water less appealing.

⚠️ Quick Comparison: Lemonade vs. Soda

• Coca-Cola 26g sugar with no fiber instead Caffeine, phosphoric acid

• Simply Lemonade 28g sugar with no fiber instead Concentrated juices, “natural” flavor

• Apple Juice 24g sugar no fiber instead Pasteurized, shelf-stable additives

• Green Juice (store-bought) 18–32g sugar no fiber, additives depend on brand

• Homemade Lemon Water 0–5g sugar with pulp (fiber) no additives

We get it—you want flavor. So here are some "better for you" options that won’t overload your body:

    •    🍓 Infused Water: Add berries, cucumbers, orange slices, or herbs to cold water

    •    🌿 Herbal Iced Tea: Try hibiscus, mint, or green tea with fresh lemon

    •    🧃 Cold-Pressed Juice: Choose green juice with 80% veggies / 20% fruit (look for no added sugars)

🍋 EBLUXE CARES Favorite Recipe:

Nourishing Homemade Lemonade

Ingredients:

    •    Juice of 1 lemon

    •    12 oz filtered water

    •    1 tsp raw honey

    •    Optional: mint

Directions:

Stir well and serve over ice. Hydrating, light, and naturally cleansing!

🧡 From EBLUXE CARES to You

At EBLUXE CARES, we’re here to educate and empower you—not overwhelm you.

We know many of these drinks are part of daily life and culture. But by simply becoming aware and making small swaps, you can start to protect your energy, your blood sugar, and your future health. As we always say small mindful changes will equal big results in your health journey.

⚠️ Wellness Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.

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