Power of Fruit Juice

August 19, 2026

A daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie may help improve more than just fruit intake. In a small four-week trial, participants who added one to a healthier diet showed significantly lower depression scores, hinting that a simple dietary change could also support mental well-being. Drinking a daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie as part of the UK’s 5-a-day guidance may help support mental wellbeing, according to research from Newcastle University in the UK. In a randomised controlled trial, adults who typically ate relatively little fruit and vegetables received support to increase their intake. Some participants were also asked to include one glass of fruit juice or a smoothie each day as they worked toward the 5-a-day target. After four weeks, both groups increased the amount of fruit and vegetables they consumed. However, participants who included fruit juice or a smoothie also reported lower depression scores. The peer-reviewed findings were published in the British Journal of Nutrition and funded by the Fruit Juice Science Centre. Researchers say the results add to evidence that relatively simple and practical dietary changes may have benefits for mental health. According to the website ScienceDaily, Dr Courtney Neal, who completed the study while at Newcastle University and is now at the University of Liverpool, said: “While most people know eating 5-a-day can be good for your health, many people struggle to. “Our trial showed that when people with low fruit and vegetable intake were provided with targeted financial and educational support to address common barriers to eating 5-aday, they were able to make meaningful changes to their diet. We found that simple, costeffective solutions, like drinking a small glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie daily, could help people reach their 5-a-day, with potential benefits for mental wellbeing,” said Dr Neal as quoted in ScienceDaily. Reaching the 5-a-day Goal Eating recommended amounts of whole fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lower risk of chronic disease and better long-term health. Despite those benefits, fewer than 1 in 5 (17%) UK adults and only 1 in 10 teenagers currently meet the 5-a-day recommendation. Everyone who took part in the 4-week trial ate two or fewer portions of fruit and vegetables per day when the study began. Participants received support designed to help them increase their intake to 5-a-day. Some participants were instructed to meet that target using whole fruits and vegetables alone. Others increased their intake of whole fruits and vegetables while also drinking one glass of fruit juice or a smoothie each day.