Can I drink fizzy apple juice?
Apple juice is a popular beverage enjoyed by many for its sweet, fruity flavor. Some brands of apple juice are carbonated, meaning they contain bubbles of carbon dioxide gas, making them “fizzy” like soda. Fizzy apple juice provides a different experience than regular apple juice, but is it safe to drink? Here we’ll explore the details about fizzy apple juice and whether it’s okay to consume.
What is Fizzy Apple Juice?
Fizzy apple juice, also sometimes called carbonated apple juice or sparkling apple juice, is simply apple juice that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This creates small bubbles in the juice that make it effervescent.
The fizziness gives the juice a prickly, tingling mouthfeel and alters the flavor slightly. Fizzy apple juice tends to taste tart and clean. The carbonation makes the fruity sweetness less cloying.
Many major juice brands offer sparkling apple juice products, including Martinelli’s, Welch’s, and Motts. Fizzy apple juice is also easy to make at home with a soda maker device and 100% apple juice.
Nutrition Facts of Fizzy Apple Juice
Fizzy apple juice has very similar nutrition facts to regular apple juice since it starts as the same 100% juice before carbonation. The nutrition facts for one 8 oz serving of fizzy apple juice are:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.25 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
The main nutrition difference is that fizzy apple juice contains slightly less sugar than regular apple juice since some sugar converts to carbon dioxide in the carbonation process. Otherwise, the two juices are nutritionally interchangeable.
Benefits of Fizzy Apple Juice
Drinking fizzy apple juice offers several benefits:
- Provides hydration like regular apple juice
- May be more refreshing and thirst-quenching due to carbonation
- Carbonation adds sensory appeal for kids and adults
- Has a clean, tart flavor compared to very sweet regular apple juice
- Serves as an alternate way to enjoy the nutrients of apple juice
- Offers a bubbly treat for those avoiding sugary soda
The carbonation makes fizzy apple juice novel and fun. It provides full-bodied texture and a light effervescence on the tongue. The juice takes on a soda-like quality while remaining a nutritious beverage choice.
Downsides of Fizzy Apple Juice
There are a couple potential downsides to drinking fizzy apple juice:
- Carbonation can cause gassiness or mild stomach upset in some people
- The acidic bubbles may damage tooth enamel with excessive consumption
- Has slightly less nutrition than regular apple juice due to lower sugar content
- Artificially carbonating juice at home requires purchasing a device
The bubbles make fizzy apple juice more acidic, so it may impact tooth enamel or cause discomfort if you drink a lot. Making sparkling juices at home also requires an initial investment in a carbonating machine.
Is Fizzy Apple Juice Safe for Kids?
Fizzy apple juice is generally considered safe for kids to drink in moderation. The carbonation makes it more exciting than regular juice. Many kids love the bubbles!
There are a few precautions to keep in mind when giving fizzy apple juice to children:
- Avoid giving to infants under 1 year
- Monitor portion sizes and dilute with water for young toddlers
- Rinse mouth with water after drinking to protect teeth
- Avoid giving near bedtime as bubbles may keep kids awake
- Make sure kids drink slowly to minimize swallowed air
The main concern is that the carbonation may cause gassiness or discomfort in little bellies. As long as you take precautions, fizzy apple juice can be a fun occasional treat for kids over 1 year old. The juice provides hydration and nutrients without artificial colors or flavors.
Can You Make Your Own Fizzy Apple Juice?
It’s easy to make your own carbonated apple juice at home with just a few ingredients:
- 100% apple juice
- Carbon dioxide tank or soda chargers
- A carbonating device like a Sodastream
To make fizzy apple juice:
- Pour apple juice into the carbonating machine’s bottle
- Attach bottle to machine according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Add carbon dioxide to infuse juice with bubbles
- Repeat process if more carbonation is desired
- Enjoy immediately or store capped in fridge
DIY sparkling apple juice allows you to control the carbonation level. It saves money compared to store-bought fizzy juice. Just be sure to use 100% apple juice without added sugar or preservatives.
| Apple Juice Type | Carbonation Time |
|---|---|
| Filtered apple juice | 2-3 seconds |
| Unfiltered cloudy apple juice | 5-6 seconds |
| Apple juice concentrate | 1-2 seconds |
How Long Does Fizzy Apple Juice Last?
The shelf life of fizzy apple juice depends on whether it’s homemade or store-bought.
Store-bought fizzy apple juice:
- Unopened – Up to 1 year past printed expiration date
- Opened – 7-10 days in the fridge
Homemade fizzy apple juice:
- Up to 5-7 days in an airtight container in the fridge
The carbonation will slowly dissipate over time, so homemade fizzy juice has a shorter shelf life. For longest freshness, store any opened fizzy apple juice in the fridge and consume within a week or two. Discard if you notice changes in appearance, aroma, or taste.
Signs Fizzy Apple Juice Has Spoiled
Fizzy apple juice will show the following signs when it has spoiled and is unsafe to drink:
- Off odors – Smells yeasty, moldy, or unpleasant
- Change in appearance – Cloudy, presence of particles
- Fizziness decreases – Lack of bubbles
- Off flavors – Vinegar-like, winy, bitter taste
- Mold – Visible fuzzy mold anywhere in bottle
Apple juice is prone to fermenting into alcohol past its prime, giving it a wine-like smell and taste. Any strange changes are a sign to discard your fizzy apple juice.
Does Fizzy Apple Juice Have Alcohol?
Pure fizzy apple juice does not contain alcohol, even though it is carbonated. The CO2 bubbles come from infusing the juice with pressurized carbon dioxide gas, not fermentation.
However, if fizzy apple juice is left out too long, wild yeast in the air can start to ferment the sugars in the juice. This turns the sugars into alcohol. Refrigeration prevents this fermentation process.
Properly handled fizzy apple juice from the store or made at home with a soda maker won’t have alcohol. But if old, neglected juice smells boozy or vinegary, it has likely fermented and is best discarded.
Fizzy Apple Juice Drink Recipes
Fizzy apple juice adds a fun twist to apple-based drinks. Here are a few yummy sparkling apple juice cocktail ideas:
Apple Juice Spritzer
– 1 cup fizzy apple juice
– 1 cup sparkling water
– Apple slices for garnish
Sparkling Apple Cider Punch
– 2 cups fizzy apple juice
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Orange slices for garnish
Apple Peach Sangria
– 2 cups fizzy apple juice
– 1 cup peach nectar
– 1 cup chopped peaches
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 Tbsp honey
– Fresh raspberries for garnish
Sparkling Apple Spice
– 2 cups fizzy apple juice
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 Tbsp honey
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
– Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Get creative mixing fizzy apple juice into tasty bubbly beverages! The carbonation makes the juice more interesting in cocktails.
Fizzy Apple Juice vs. Sparkling Cider
While fizzy apple juice and sparkling cider may seem similar at first glance, they have some distinct differences:
| Fizzy Apple Juice | Sparkling Cider | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Apple juice concentrate + carbonation | Fresh pressed apples + carbonation |
| Sugar Content | Medium high | Medium |
| Calories | 120 cal per 8 oz | 130 cal per 8 oz |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, one-note apple | Fresh apple complexity |
The biggest differences are that fizzy apple juice starts from juice concentrate while sparkling cider is made from pressed apples. Cider also often has a more nuanced flavor. Both make tasty bubbly beverages, so choose based on your taste preferences!
The Bottom Line
Fizzy apple juice provides a fun twist on standard apple juice. The bubbly carbonation makes it seem special and exciting. While potential downsides exist like gassiness or impact to teeth, fizzy apple juice remains a nutritious beverage in moderation. It can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Fizzy apple juice is simple to make at home with basic equipment. Look for signs of spoilage before drinking, as the bubbles can mask fermentation. Overall, fizzy apple juice serves as a refreshing way to get your daily fruit intake and quench your thirst with some fizzy excitement. Drink up and enjoy the bubbles bursting on your tongue!