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Food & Beverage Updated August 15, 2025

Not from concentrate

Not from concentrate means the juice is squeezed straight from the fruit, not watered down from a syrup. It’s fresher and tastes more like the real thing!

Category

Food & Beverage

Use Case

Indicates a product made directly from fresh ingredients without reconstitution from concentrate.

Variants

Juice, Fruit puree, Beverages

Key Features

In Simple Terms

What it is

"Not from concentrate" means a drink (like juice) is made directly from fresh fruit, with no water removed or added later. Imagine squeezing an orange and drinking the juice right away—that’s "not from concentrate." It’s the pure, natural liquid, just as it comes from the fruit.

Why people use it

People prefer "not from concentrate" because it often tastes fresher and more like the actual fruit. Since it doesn’t go through extra processing, it keeps more of its natural flavors and nutrients. Think of it like eating a freshly picked apple versus one that’s been dried and rehydrated—the fresh one just feels and tastes better.

Basic examples

  • Orange juice: "Not from concentrate" orange juice is squeezed from oranges, bottled, and sold as-is. It tastes brighter and more natural than juice made from concentrate (which is dehydrated and later mixed with water).
  • Apple juice: If you buy "not from concentrate" apple juice, it’s pressed directly from apples, with nothing added or taken away. It’s like drinking the liquid from a freshly bitten apple.
  • Convenience: Even though it’s less processed, "not from concentrate" juices are still easy to find in stores. They’re a simple way to enjoy fruit flavors without artificial or watered-down tastes.
  • Technical Details

    What It Is


    Not from concentrate (NFC) refers to a processing method primarily used in the production of fruit juices, where the juice is extracted, pasteurized, and packaged without undergoing a concentration process. It falls under the category of minimally processed beverages, retaining more of the natural flavor, aroma, and nutritional content compared to reconstituted juices.

    How It Works


    The NFC process begins with the extraction of juice from fresh fruits, which is then lightly filtered to remove pulp and solids. The juice undergoes pasteurization—a brief heat treatment—to eliminate pathogens and extend shelf life. Unlike concentrated juices, NFC skips the evaporation step used to remove water, preserving the juice’s original composition. Advanced aseptic packaging technologies are often employed to maintain freshness without refrigeration until opened.

    Key Components


  • Fresh Fruit: The primary raw material, typically pressed immediately after harvesting to minimize oxidation.
  • Pasteurization Equipment: Heats the juice to 70–90°C for 15–30 seconds to ensure microbial safety.
  • Aseptic Packaging: Sterilized containers (e.g., cartons, bottles) prevent recontamination during storage.
  • Filtration Systems: Remove particulates while retaining the juice’s natural viscosity and taste.

  • Common Use Cases


  • Retail Beverages: Sold as premium juices in supermarkets, often labeled "100% NFC" to emphasize freshness.
  • Food Service: Used in cafes and smoothie bars for flavor consistency and natural taste.
  • Health Products: Incorporated into wellness drinks due to higher retention of vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Infant Food: Preferred for baby food formulations as it lacks additives and excess sugar.