Are Juices Worth The Money?

The promise of a slim physique and toxin-free body may convince consumers to spend a pretty penny on pressed juices. Are juice cleanses and detoxes worth the money? There is no question the juicing industry has exploded recently and does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. The cold pressed juice market is expected to grow globally to $845 million and domestically to $311 million in 2024. But do juice cleanses really provide the health benefits they claim to?

A juice cleanse regimen typically permits only juiced fruits and vegetables for a period ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Due to these restrictions, those who follow this regimen do not eat solid foods from other food groups. Juice cleanses provide very little fat and protein, which are two macronutrients needed for body function. Additionally, the process of making juice leaves fiber behind, a nutrient responsible for helping us properly digest food and feel full.

So, what does a juice cleanse provide? Over the course of a day, juices may provide a mere 1,000-1,200 calories since fruits and vegetables are not calorie dense. Restricting your caloric intake to this extent does not meet the average person’s needs of 2,000 calories. It is likely a juice cleanse could lead to temporary weight loss because it provides minimal calories, but it is not a suitable diet for weight loss. Lost weight will most likely be regained once a person returns to their usual diet pattern. In addition, a juice cleanse will not meet a person’s needs for fat and protein.

Bottom Line: Thanks to our kidneys and liver, our bodies naturally process and eliminate toxins on their own. A temporary juice cleanse will not magically “detoxify” or “cleanse the body of toxins.” The best type of diet for sustainable weight loss is a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Fuel your body with these nutrient-packed foods and skip the juice cleanse. Save money and opt for a more nourishing diet instead.

Written by: Melissa Kowalski, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern

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