What's the Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice? (2024)

FAQs

What's the Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice? ›

Apple juice and apple cider are both pressed fresh apples, but that is where the similarities stop. The Kitchn states that apple juice is filtered and has added preservatives such as sugar. This makes apple juice more sweet and it will also have a longer shelf-life.

Southern Living says that apple cider also uses pressed apples, but unlike apple juice, the pressed apple is unfiltered and unpasteurized. This is the reason consumers may see residue at the bottom of the drink (the best solution is to shake the bottled cider to mix).

Per chef Jerry James Stone, “When it comes to apple cider, it typically tends to be juice that's pressed from the apples, but then is not completely unfiltered or even pasteurized.” The remaining pulp or sediment gives apple cider a cloudy or murky appearance.

If you don't have apple cider, your go-to alternative can be apple juice. They have the closest flavor profile since they're both made from apples. Although, apple juice may be too sweet for some dishes since it's been processed and pasteurized. Substitute apple juice for apple cider in a 1:1 ratio.

Outside of the United States and Canada, it is commonly referred to as cloudy apple juice to distinguish it from clearer, filtered apple juice and hard cider. Apple cider (left) is an unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice. Most present-day apple juice (right) is filtered (and pasteurized).

The largest benefit of apple cider comes from the phytochemicals of the fruit which include flavonoids, fiber and carotenoids. Each of these acts as an antioxidant, and plays a role in reducing certain diseases, asthma, diabetes and certain cancers.

Yes, you can use apple juice concentrate to make cider, but it needs to be 100% pure apple juice, with no other added ingredients.

However, it will last 2-3 hours unrefrigerated, so long as it remains out of direct sunlight, just long enough for your car ride home. Once in the refrigerator, you can expect 2-3 weeks of shelf life.

Hard cider is made by fermenting apples or apple juice concentrate and is growing in popularity in the United States. Apples contain plenty of natural sugars, so adding sweeteners to cider is unnecessary for the most part. However, cider makers could add sugar to further sweeten the beverage or speed fermentation.

It may lower cholesterol.

The same small study that reported ACV boosted weight loss also found that it lowered the total cholesterol levels of study subjects who took it. It also increased their "good" cholesterol and lowered levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood). Other studies have had similar findings.

Is Honeycrisp apple juice the same as apple cider? ›

On their website, they admit that their clear, shelf-stable “apple juice and cider are the same; the only difference is the label …. some consumers simply prefer the traditional name for apple juice.”

In general, opened bottles of ACV remain at their best quality for about 2 years. While the vinegar doesn't necessarily spoil or become unsafe to consume, its flavor profile may change, and it might lose some of its potency.

Can you make cider from bought apple juice? Yes, you can make cider from store-bought apple juice.

Introduction. In common American usage, raw apple juice that has not been filtered to remove pulp or sediment is referred to as “fresh cider” or “sweet cider.” The term “apple juice” indicates the juice has been filtered to remove solids.

Consuming ACV at night is beneficial for individuals with diabetes as it aids in regulating blood glucose levels. It's recommended to consume ACV at least 30 minutes before bedtime to prevent reflux, especially for those with gastrointestinal issues who should exercise caution before intake.

Some people believe that the “apple cider vinegar diet” can help with weight loss, particularly by reducing belly fat. There aren't any set recommendations for how much apple cider vinegar to take, but many people take 1 or 2 tablespoons before or with meals. Often, people mix their apple cider vinegar with water.

Is Apple Cider Alcoholic? Fresh apple cider doesn't contain alcohol. It's possible for unpasteurized cider to ferment over time and become alcoholic, creating hard apple cider. If you don't want your cider to become alcoholic, then it's best to drink it within two weeks of making it.

While you might think cider without alcohol is just apple juice, don't be misled as it has a very different taste! Non-alcoholic ciders are not as sweet and aim to give drinkers the same distinguishable tangy notes that the traditional drink has.