The rules around Whole30 juice can be a little confusing – is fruit juice allowed on Whole30, or isn’t it? We’re clearing up this mystery once and for all!
Fruit juice is Whole30 compliant – in fact, it’s the only allowable sweetener.
In the words of Melissa Hartwig herself in the Official “Can I Have” Guide:
Fruit juice is the only acceptable added sweetener on the Whole30. (We had to draw the line somewhere.) Use it to flavor sauces, soups, or entrees.
However, this does not mean you should be drinking fruit juice. Technically you can have a class, but it’s considered to not be in spirit with the program (similar to noming on Larabars for dessert).
Juicing takes most of the nutrients away from fruit, leaving only the sugar. Instead, it’s suggested that you simply eat a piece of fruit instead, rather than drinking the juice-ified version.
Sugar is a very sensitive issue on Whole30. Since one of the main goals of the Whole30 program is to cut off your addiction to sugar, it’s best not to over-indulge in natural, compliant foods that are generous in sugar (like fruit).
Even when using fruit juice in cooking, be sure to check your labels, seek out juice that is 100% real juice, and avoid added sugar.
Whole Juice Ideas: Appropriate Ways to Use Fruit Juice
- Add a splash to your seltzer water
- Use in a marinade
- Use in a sauce or soup
- Add a small amount for Whole30 smoothies
Do you have any creative ways to use fruit juice on Whole30? Share your ideas in the comments!
“Add a small amount for Whole30 smoothies” <- FWIW, this isn't really allowed on the plan. The idea is that you eat real food instead of making smoothies.