• Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Privacy Policy
↑

LemonsforLulu.com

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Privacy Policy
Home » Kitchen Tips

The Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice

August 11, 2024 by Elisha Baba · Leave a Comment

Kitchen Tips

Apple cider and apple juice may look similar, but they have many differences. While they both originate from apples and are known for their refreshing taste, there are unique characteristics that set the two apart. Understanding how to distinguish between these two beverages will help you select the best option for your needs.

The Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice

What is Apple Juice?

Apple juice is the liquid extracted from crushing and pressing apples. The juice is then filtered to a translucent golden color and often sweetened.

What is Apple Cider?

Apple cider is the raw and unsweetened liquid made from pressing fresh apples. It is unfiltered, retaining the pulp and sediment, which makes it a more opaque brown color.

7 Differences Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice

1. Sweetness

Apple juice is sweeter than apple cider. While apple juice is naturally sweeter, sugars are added during processing. Apple cider contains no added sugars, meaning it is much more tart and often slightly bitter.

2. Preservatives

The presence of preservatives distinguishes apple juice from apple cider. To make the apple juice shelf stable, preservatives are added during processing. Apple cider, on the other hand, goes through little to no processing and therefore doesn’t contain any preservatives.

3. Color

Apple cider and apple juice differ in color. Apple juice is usually translucent and comes in a variety of golden colors.

Meanwhile, apple cider contains fibrous bits that make it opaque. Apple cider is usually darker in color than apple juice, though sometimes the fibers may settle at the bottom allowing you to see through it.

4. Pasteurization

Whether or not the drink has been pasteurized is another differentiation between apple juice and apple cider. Those who need to watch their consumption of unpasteurized products need to be cautious of apple cider as it is frequently unpasteurized. Apple juice is almost always pasteurized but it’s also a good idea to double check.

5. Shelf Life

The shelf life of apple cider and apple juice differs. Because apple cider doesn’t contain preservatives, after long enough in the pantry, it will begin to ferment, turning it into apple cider vinegar, if left long enough.

Apple juice can go bad, but it won’t ferment due to the preservatives and pasteurization. Either way a good way to tell if apple juice or apple cider is safe to consume is by smelling it before drinking.

6. Labeling

The labeling of apple cider and apple juice is different due to their processing. Apple cider is generally labeled as ‘unfiltered’ or ‘raw,’ indicating a fresher and less processed product. Apple juice, on the other hand, will be labeled with terms like ‘filtered’ or ‘pasteurized,’ to show a processed and more refined product.

Due to the marketing context associated with the word “apple cider” many companies will label their apple juice as apple cider. The only way to know whether it is juice is to look at the color and label to see how the apples are processed. Apple cider, however, will never be incorrectly labeled as apple juice.

7. Uses

Their uses can also distinguish between apple cider and apple juice. Apple juice can be used for drinking with breakfast or lunch and is occasionally used in baking recipes. It will not, however, be sold as ‘mulled’ or ‘spiced’ as apple cider will be.

Apple cider is less bitter when warmed and it is a common beverage to find at fall festivals and marketplaces, though you likely won’t be using it in a baking recipe anytime soon.

8. Where You Buy It

Where you find apple juice and apple cider also differentiates the two beverages. Apple juice is available in the refrigerated section at most grocery stores, but you might have to search a little harder to find apple cider. Apple cider tends to be plentiful at farmers markets and local fairs—somewhere where you likely won’t be able to find apple juice.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Can You Freeze Cabbage? Yes, and Here is The Best Way
Triple Chip Banana Cookies
What is Moringa? All About this Powerful Superfood
Cakey Apple Crisp
21 Delicious 4th of July Recipes
Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe

Filed Under: Kitchen Tips

20 Foods You Should Never Put in the Freezer
Wally Amos, Founder of Famous Amos Cookies, Passes Away at 88

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Lemons for Lulu has the recipes that are destined to become your new family favorites -- big on flavor but easy to prepare!

Sign up for our weekly newsletters!

Ready to cook?

Reader Favorites

Tortilla Chips with Spicy Chili Dip

Dry Rub Chicken Wings

Dry rub chicken wings are like a party in your mouth! The spicy sweet coating is absolutely addictive!

What is Lard?

What is Lard?

What’s the Difference Between Coriander and Cilantro?

Coriander and Cilantro
Copyright ©2025, LemonsforLulu.com. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs