I don’t often buy juice. I’m more of a water and tea drinker. However, once in a while, I like to have juice. One day, I was on the hunt for cranberry juice in my local grocery store. After skipping the cranberry “cocktails”, I settle on this one.

It stated 100% juice blend; so far, so good. Cranberries, on their own, are quite sour, so a mix with pomegranate seemed like a good idea. These were the very fruit pictured on the label.

It was only after I got home and began to drink the juice that I took a really good look at the label. What I had failed to notice in the very small, light print, was the word “flavour” next to the words Cranberry and Pomegranate. Apparently, I was only getting their flavour in the 100% blend of six juices. So what exactly was I drinking?

In descending order the reconstituted juices were:

Apple
Grape
Plum
Pear
Cranberry
Pomegranate

The label was accurate when it stated that there was a blend of six juices and I could certainly see where the cranberry and pomegranate flavour fit in. It was my own desire for cranberry and pomegranate that tricked me into thinking that this was a good choice. Needless to say, I was annoyed that I had fallen for these advertising ploys. I guess I don’t have much practice with them as I tend to buy base ingredients of fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy.

Here are a few tips to follow that will reduce being misled.

Tip #1 – The picture may draw your attention but don’t dwell on it for too long. Read the ingredients list instead.

Tip #2 – Read the nutritional panel. The front label may tout a benefit such as 100% Vitamin C but there may be a trade-off such as added sugar or a high calorie count.

Tip #3 – Don’t let price be the determining factor. The actual content is what you should be careful with; not the pretty packaging and labelling. Stick to the facts.

I admit that despite my food knowledge, I got fooled. Have you had a similar experience where you purchased a food item only to find that it didn’t match the health goals expected? Share your story. I’d love to hear from you.

Cheers,

Lorraine