Can I use a nutribullet for juicing?

Juicing has become an increasingly popular way for people to get more fruits and vegetables into their diets. Fresh juice made from produce like kale, apples, carrots, and beets provides a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Many people add juice to their morning routines as a quick, nutrient-packed drink.

If you’re interested in trying juicing, you may be wondering what equipment you need. Expensive cold-press juicers used to be the only option, but more affordable juicers and blenders have hit the market. This includes the popular NutriBullet blender. But can you use a NutriBullet to make fresh juices? Here’s what you need to know.

How a NutriBullet Works

The NutriBullet is a high-powered personal blender. It uses strong, fast spinning blades and suction technology to pulverize fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients into a smooth consistency. The result is something between a juice and a smoothie – thinner than a typical blended drink but thicker than a juice from a cold press juicer.

When making a juice or smoothie in the NutriBullet, you add your ingredients to the tall cup, attach the powered blade base, flip it upside down, and press down. This forces the produce through the rapidly spinning blades, breaking down fiber and extracting liquid. The NutriBullet spins at up to 25,000 RPM, while most blenders only reach up to 15,000 RPM.

Benefits of Juicing with a NutriBullet

There are some advantages to using a NutriBullet if you want to incorporate juicing into your routine:

• Cost – NutriBullets are significantly cheaper than most cold press juicers. The classic NutriBullet retails for $59.99, while a good beginner’s juicer starts around $99.
• Simplicity – Juicers involve more prep work and parts to wash. With the NutriBullet, you simply add ingredients and blend.
• Versatility – You can use a NutriBullet to make smoothies, purees, nut butters, and more in addition to juice.
• Nutrition – Juices made in the NutriBullet retain more fiber since some pulp is left in.
• Speed – It’s faster to make juice in a NutriBullet compared to cold press juicers.

Downsides of Juicing with a NutriBullet

However, there are some downsides to using a NutriBullet if you want to regularly make fresh juices:

• Oxidation – The high-speed blending introduces air, causing oxidation. This can degrade nutrients and flavor.
• Pulp – Some pulp stays in the juice, giving it a thicker, less juice-like consistency.
• Fiber – While more fiber is retained, juices made in a NutriBullet still have less than eating whole produce.
• Temperature – Friction from high speeds heats ingredients, potentially damaging enzymes.
• Small batches – NutriBullet cups only hold 24-32 ounces. For juicing daily, this can mean frequent blending.

NutriBullet Juicing Tips

If you want to use your NutriBullet for juicing, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a strainer – Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove more pulp.
• Extract seeds/pits – Remove seeds from produce like apples to reduce fiber and pulp.
• Blend in stages – Don’t overpack the cup and blend in small batches.
• Add liquid – Water or coconut water helps achieve a smoother juice.
• Watch temperatures – Add ice or frozen fruit to prevent heating.
• Drink ASAP – Consume juice immediately to minimize oxidation.
• Clean thoroughly – Residual fiber can build up on blades.

Ideal Fruits and Vegetables for NutriBullet Juices

You’ll get the best results juicing certain fruits and vegetables in a NutriBullet:

• Apples
• Berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
• Carrots
• Celery
• Citrus – oranges, grapefruit, lemon
• Cucumber
• Ginger
• Grapes
• Kale
• Melons – honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon
• Pears
• Spinach
• Tomatoes

Tougher, more fibrous produce like beets, pineapple, mangos, and leafy greens like chard may not break down as thoroughly. You’ll need to strain the juice well after blending.

NutriBullet Juicing Recipes

Here are some tasty juice recipes to try in a NutriBullet:

Green Juice

• 1 cucumber
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 cup kale leaves
• 1 green apple
• 1⁄2 lemon
• 1-inch knob ginger

Beet Juice

• 3 beets, greens removed
• 3 carrots
• 1 apple
• 1-inch knob ginger

Tropical Juice

• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 orange, peeled
• 1 cup mango chunks
• 1⁄4 lemon
• 1-inch knob ginger

Berry Juice

• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 apple
• 1⁄2 lemon

Is the NutriBullet Good for Juicing?

While the NutriBullet can technically make juice, a cold press juicer will extract more liquid and leave behind less pulp. However, the NutriBullet does have some advantages in affordability, ease of use, and retention of fiber. Overall, it can be a decent option for juicing if you:

• Want to juice occasionally, not daily
• Prefer juice with more body
• Primarily make single servings
• Don’t want to buy another appliance

With the right techniques and recipes, you can make nutritious juice in a NutriBullet. But serious juicing enthusiasts may still benefit from investing in a dedicated juicer.

Alternatives to the NutriBullet for Juicing

If you decide the NutriBullet won’t meet your juicing needs, here are some good juicer options to consider in different price ranges:

Juicer	Type	Price
Mueller Austria Juicer	Centrifugal	$49.97
Aicook Slow Masticating Juicer	Cold Press	$99.92
Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain	Centrifugal	$149.95
Tribest Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer	Cold Press	$379.95

Cold press juicers tend to be more expensive but extract higher yields and nutrients. Centrifugal juicers are more affordable, fast, and easy to use. Consider your budget and juicing needs to pick the best model for you if the NutriBullet won’t meet your requirements.

Conclusion

While the NutriBullet isn’t equivalent to a dedicated juicer, it can make decent juices, particularly if you strain out excess pulp. Benefits like cost, ease of use, and retention of fiber make it a viable option for casual juicing. However, serious juicing enthusiasts may still want a proper cold press juicer to maximize liquid extraction. With the right techniques, produce choices, and expectations, a NutriBullet can be a good tool for adding more fruit and vegetable juices into your diet.