Apple juice and apple cider are two beloved juice beverages, but is there a difference? Is there a reason some people prefer apple juice while others claim cider is the best apple beverage? Let’s explore the difference between apple juice and apple cider to find out why they have different names and if there is a real difference.
The Difference Between Apple Cider & Apple Juice
Although apple juice and apple cider processing will vary between brands, the processing is typically considered the primary factor that determines the final product.
Apple Cider – Generally, apple cider is unpasteurized, unfiltered, and fresh-pressed. It will still contain coarse materials like sediment and pulp. Due to the remaining solids, the liquid usually turns to a richer, darker, almost brown color. It is fairly cloudy or opaque. It does not have sugar added and is generally tangier in taste.
Apple Juice – Depending on the brand, apple juice will go through a filtering process that makes it a translucent, yellow color. It is then pasteurized so that it will have a longer shelf-life. Many brands make apple juice from concentrate and use syrup and sometimes other added sweeteners and “natural flavors” to make their concoction. Some of these flavors are not vegan. Yikes!
At North Coast Organic, we use whole apples grown in the USA to make our apple juices and ciders. All of our apple juice and apple cider beverages are unfiltered, so our juice and cider are the same – organic, vegan, and delicious!
What Apple Cider Isn’t
In many places, particularly outside of the United States, cider often refers to a fermented alcoholic beverage. In the US, it is often called hard cider. Hard cider is a different but unique gluten-free alternative to beer or malt beverages.
In other instances, you may see beverages with the label spiced apple cider. This simply means that adding mulling spices like nutmeg or cinnamon is very popular around the Holidays!
How to Use Apple Juice and Apple Cider
Your personal preference is all that matters when choosing between apple juice and apple cider to drink as a beverage. However, apple cider is more common in recipes when it comes to cooking. This is simply because it has a more authentic, natural apple flavor. Luckily with North Coast, both the juice and cider are unfiltered so an excellent choice to use in any recipe!
Apple flavored and apple-inspired dishes are common in the fall, but apple juice and apple cider are delicious in various recipes all year round. Warm up with an Apple Hot Toddy on a cold night. This Green Apple Smoothie makes for a great breakfast or healthy snack any time of the year. Apple juice and cider are also an excellent addition in savory dishes and desserts, or anything looking for an additional robust appley flavor.
How to Store Apple Juice and Apple Cider
When a beverage like apple juice has been pasteurized, it is shelf-stable for many months and does not need to be refrigerated until it is open. If your apple cider (or, in some cases, apple juice) is unpasteurized, it is perishable and should remain refrigerated. It will last about 7-10 days. Keep an eye on the dates on your label and enjoy either beverage promptly.
Which Is Better for You? Apple Cider or Apple Juice?
When cider goes through the filtration process to make apple juice, it can lose some of its nutritional value. However, apple juice and apple cider contain about the same amount of sugar, calories, and vitamins. Some juices may contain additional sweeteners or preservatives that you will want to consider. With North Coast, you can rest assured that both juices and ciders are unfiltered and never have added sugars or preservatives.
What to Buy? Ask North Coast Organic
Whether to buy apple cider or apple juice depends on the use and your personal tastes. Apple juice is typically sweeter as a beverage, while apple cider will have a more full, earthier flavor. Some brands put the same label on both, so take a good look at the ingredient list and the color if you aren’t sure. When buying for a recipe, you’re probably going to want cider, but unfiltered apple juice is essentially the same thing as apple cider. If the liquid is more opaque, you know it has not been filtered and will work very well for your recipe.
If you still have questions, contact North Coast Organic. We would love to discuss how we have continued to produce high-quality products from exceptional fruit for over 100 years. We use an array of delicious apple varieties for our products. You will find nuanced flavor profiles from juices to apple sauces without the preservatives and high sugar content found in other brands. Give North Coast Organic a try, and you’ll know why we’ve stood the test of time.
