Who makes unsweetened cranberry juice?

If you’re like most people, when you think of cranberries, your mind immediately goes to the holiday staple – canned cranberry sauce. While there’s nothing wrong with that (well, debatable), it’s important to remember that cranberries offer a range of health benefits year-round. And if you’re looking for a way to incorporate them into your diet without all the added sugar found in many commercial juices and sauces, unsweetened cranberry juice may be just what you need. But who makes this tart-tasting elixir? Read on to find out.

The Benefits of Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of who produces unsweetened cranberry juice and how they do it, let’s take a look at why you might want to add this beverage to your routine:

  • May prevent urinary tract infections: Cranberries contain compounds that can make it harder for bacteria like E.coli to stick to the walls of your bladder and urinary tract.
  • Could improve heart health: Some studies suggest that drinking cranberry juice regularly could help lower levels LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and decrease blood pressure.
  • Rich in antioxidants: Like other deeply-colored berries such as blueberries and raspberries, unsweetened cranberry juice is packed with compounds known as polyphenols which may protect against cellular damage.
  • Good source of vitamins C & E: In addition to being naturally low in calories (~40 kcal/cup), 1 cup serving also contains roughly 20% daily recommended intake (DRI) vitamin C; 5% DRI for vitamin E.

Sounds pretty good right? With so much going for it nutritionally speaking, perhaps it’s time you tried incorporating some unsweetened (!!) variety into your life…

Hitting up Ocean Spray

If you’re wondering which major company produces unsweetened cranberry juice, wonder no more — it’s Ocean Spray. Yes, the same folks known for their sweetened and artificially-flavored varieties also produce an entirely natural variation of the stuff. As with all products made by large corporations, not only those based in the food sector, there may be additives or preservatives to extend shelf life or improve texture.

Some fun facts before we move on:

  • Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by over 700 cranberry farmers from North and South America.
  • Founded in 1930s as a way for small-scale growers to have some economic leverage.
  • In addition to supporting family-owned operations’ livelihoods through buying berries at a guaranteed rate/price (often comprising ~70% production), they’ve expanded product line including grapefruits[!] (!) and different kinds of juices like ‘mocktails’

If you want your hygiene experience upgraded (read: classy plastic bag upgrade) then perhaps this brand is worth trying when hunting down unsweetened cranberry juice. Additionally – look out for added sugars! This refers specifically to any type of syrup beyond what’s naturally present within than fruit itself; high fructose corn syrup would fall into this category frequently found in cheaper varietals from unknown stores.

Other Producers

While Ocean Spray may be one of the most recognizable names on grocery store shelves when it comes to pure, unsweetened (more emphasis!!) bottled cranberry juice—there are other options available that shouldn’t go without mention. It’s always good practice diversify!

R.W Knudsen & Lakewood Organic

R.W Knudsen makes a range drinks that don’t contain refined sugars/corn syrup such as Recharge Juice Blends but if you’re primarily after raw unadulterated [cran]berries? Check out JÀSÖN instead who source theirs directly from organic growers on the coast of Oregon.

Lakewood Organic is another brand that produces unsweetened cranberry juice, but instead they use an unadulterated fruit blend containing apples, white grape and cranberries (from MA). Makes for a bit of sweeter sipping experience [if you’re still transitioning to more tart taste] while still getting all benefits!

Making Your Own Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

Perhaps you’re feeling really adventurous (?) or just can’t face another supermarket search. Regardless- making your own unsweetened cranberry juice isn’t as difficult as it might sound:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh organic cranberries
  • clean water

(Note: additional/fewer berries based upon palate preferences)

Instructions:

  1. Heat mixing bowl with hot water before dumping in rinsed-off berries to remove any possible contaminates.
  2. Mash the berries using either; blender [that won’t break], food processor or fork if you’re old school + v strong arms…
  3. Transfer mashed fruits into cheesecloth/nylon strainer bag until collecting 1 cup’s worth quantity.
  4. With excess water start boiling/simmering then add strained mash mix followed by additional half-cup filtered drinking grade H2O (= hydration).
  5. Simmer for ~10 minutes observing temperature, stir randomly whilst mashing occasionally too.
  6. Pour contents from pot through sieve/minimalist cloth materials into heat-resistant jug + let cool down thoroughly
    7.One final step! (promise.) Give it a good taste test – Best served chilled!

And there you have it! Homemade unsweetened cranberry juice made easy right from your kitchen.

Conclusion

So whether you opt for Ocean Spray’s version, go rogue with brands like R.W Knudsen and Lakewood or experiment by concocting your very own at-home recipe—drinking unsweetened cranberry juice offers a range of nutritional benefits worth exploring. And who knows, you might even develop a taste for the tartness (or not!).

Remember, always mind if any commercial varieties have extra sugar before purchasing to achieve your health goals effectively. Cheers to good health and creativity in kitchen experiments!

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