This month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule to lower the minimum sugar level, or Brix, required in pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 to 10 degrees. The change comes after years of advocacy by the Florida citrus industry, including the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), the Florida Citrus Commission, and state legislative leaders.
The adjustment is intended to reflect changes in Florida’s citrus crop, which has been affected by long-term challenges such as citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). The disease has impacted groves across the state for nearly two decades and is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid insect. There is currently no cure for HLB, but growers are working on several strategies to combat it, including planting new varieties of trees with higher tolerance to the disease and using protective growing methods.
Shannon Shepp, executive director of the FDOC, explained that “the supply challenges resulting from citrus greening and recent hurricanes, no change in consumer preference, is what’s really behind the industry’s advocation for lowering the minimum Brix requirement.” She added that global orange juice supplies are tightening and that less nutrient-dense alternatives are appearing on store shelves.
Dr. Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research for the FDOC, noted that some “blends and ‘juice drinks’ often arrive in cartons and bottles that mimic the look of 100% orange juice,” making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between them. She warned that these products may contain added sugars and advised shoppers to check nutrition labels carefully.
Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, said: “Florida’s citrus growers have advocated for this regulatory change since 2022, petitioning the FDA to revise the standard of identity for orange juice to better reflect the Brix levels in today’s Florida-grown oranges. If FDA’s proposed rule is finalized, it will be a monumental step forward in helping Florida citrus growers bring more orange juice to market, remain competitive, and ensure consumers can enjoy the high-quality Florida orange juice they know and love.”
Experts say lowering the Brix standard will not affect taste or nutritional value. Jennifer Hillis, a registered dietitian nutritionist at the University of South Florida College of Public Health who serves as a citrus nutrition research liaison, stated: “If the minimum Brix is changed from 10.5 to 10, the taste of 100% orange juice will not be affected nor will it change overall nutrition density.”
Hillis emphasized that multiple organizations—including Dietary Guidelines for America (DGA), World Health Organization (WHO), and American Heart Association (AHA)—recognize natural sugars found in fruits like oranges as part of a healthy diet. She said: “Numerous studies report that children or adults who consume 100% orange juice are no more likely to be overweight or obese compared to those who do not consume it.”
She also described health benefits associated with drinking 100% orange juice: “One 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C… For those who suffer from chronic disease, vitamin C helps mitigate inflammation and supports healing… Plus one 8-ounce glass per day is a good source of potassium thiamin and folate further contributing to your overall nutrient intake while supporting immune system.” Hillis added that folate and vitamin B6 may help protect against heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in blood; flavonoids like hesperidin reduce cholesterol; other nutrients support cognitive health.
Consumer research conducted by University of Florida indicates most Americans continue associating 100% orange juice with positive attributes such as nutrition taste value according to Dr. Zansler: “When consumers were asked about purchase intent specifically reason(s) why they didn’t purchase orange juice in any given month only 16.1 percent marked ‘too much sugar’ as a reason… Over 70 percent marked other reasons such as ‘didn’t feel like drinking it recently,’ ‘already had some at home,’ noted price or ‘not top-of-mind.’”
The DGA recommends water along with low-fat/fat-free milk and 100% fruit juice as primary beverages for maintaining a healthy diet.
The proposed FDA rule aims to help growers harvest more oranges suitable for juicing amid ongoing supply issues caused by disease pressures.
