Regardless of how it is presented, fruit juice is typically a sugary drink option. Fruits are naturally high in sugars, and 100% fruit juice can contain sugar levels comparable to those found in soda. In many varieties of Capri Sun that are not made from 100% juice, sugar is listed as the second ingredient, immediately following water. Nutritional information for various Capri Sun flavors indicates that those lacking the 100% juice label can have up to 13 grams of sugar, with 11 grams being added sugars. A monk fruit-sweetened version reduces this to an average of 8 total grams of sugar, including 5 grams of added sugar, according to Kraft Heinz. The updated juice pouches are expected to be available in August, featuring packaging that emphasizes their lower sugar content compared to other juice boxes aimed at children.
Monk fruit, which is native to China, is extremely sweet—150 to 200 times sweeter than sugar—meaning less is required for sweetness, as noted by the International Food Information Council. This sweetener is calorie-free, does not contribute to tooth decay, and is safe for those with diabetes. Several monk fruit-derived sweeteners have received Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA and are available to consumers as well as in food products. It maintains its stability when heated and can be used in baked goods, though it is most commonly added to beverages. Monk fruit may leave an aftertaste similar to melon rind, and it is often blended with other natural sweeteners such as stevia, allulose, and erythritol to create a more enjoyable flavor profile. According to Monk Fruit Corp., this sweetener can be found in over 2,000 consumer packaged goods, including gelato and coffee drinks.
Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio mentioned in prepared remarks accompanying Wednesday’s earnings report that the transition to monk fruit also makes the company less vulnerable to fluctuating sugar markets, a significant consideration given the inflation and supply chain challenges affecting prices. While the statement indicated that Capri Sun made this change in response to parents’ concerns about sugar levels in kids’ juice boxes—a major hurdle for the category—this reformulation has broader implications for the juice market and consumer packaged goods overall. Some products are developed using alternative sweeteners, while others are reformulated quietly, without consumers necessarily being aware of the modifications.
However, a large-scale and publicly announced reformulation of one of the leading juice box brands draws significant attention to what has been accomplished and why. If a prominent brand like Capri Sun, produced by a giant like Kraft Heinz, can successfully reformulate to reduce added sugars, it may encourage other consumer packaged goods manufacturers to explore alternative sweeteners. If the taste experience of the reformulated Capri Sun remains similar, and as long as parents continue to purchase it, this type of reformulation demonstrates that sugar reduction can be effective.
Additionally, this highlights a broader conversation about dietary choices, particularly in relation to calcium sources and their impact on health. As discussions around calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate for osteoporosis continue, consumers may begin to consider how sweeteners like monk fruit can fit into their overall dietary needs, including the pursuit of healthier options. The reformulation of Capri Sun could serve as a catalyst for examining not just sugar content, but also the quality of ingredients and their implications for health, including considerations like calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate for osteoporosis, as it reflects a growing trend towards more mindful consumption.