Calories in Cranberry Juice: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Cranberry juice cocktail is a popular tart-sweet beverage that provides approximately 137 calories per 8 oz glass, primarily from added sugars. Pure 100% cranberry juice without added sugar is significantly lower in calories but intensely tart, which is why most commercially available versions blend cranberry juice with sweeteners or other fruit juices. Cranberry juice is well known as a source of vitamin C and proanthocyanidins, compounds studied for their potential urinary tract health benefits.

Calories by serving size:

The calorie difference between cranberry juice products is substantial and comes down to added sugar. A standard cranberry juice cocktail gets most of its 137 calories from sweeteners, while pure unsweetened cranberry juice has only 46 calories per glass. Light or diet versions use artificial sweeteners to keep calories low while maintaining a palatable flavor. Checking the label for "100% juice" versus "juice cocktail" or "juice drink" is essential if you are watching your sugar and calorie intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between cranberry juice cocktail and 100% cranberry juice?

Cranberry juice cocktail is a blend that typically contains about 25 to 27 percent real cranberry juice along with added sugar and water, resulting in about 137 calories per 8 oz. Pure 100% cranberry juice has no added sugar and contains only 46 calories per 8 oz, but it has an extremely tart, almost bitter flavor. Most people find the cocktail version more drinkable, but it contains significantly more sugar.

How much sugar is in cranberry juice?

A standard 8 oz glass of cranberry juice cocktail contains approximately 34 grams of sugar, most of which is added sugar rather than naturally occurring. By comparison, 100% unsweetened cranberry juice has only about 8 grams of natural sugar per 8 oz serving. Light cranberry juice varieties also contain around 8 grams of sugar, using artificial sweeteners to maintain sweetness.

Is cranberry juice good for UTIs?

Research suggests that cranberry juice may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections due to its proanthocyanidin content, which can prevent certain bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. However, the evidence is mixed, and most studies show a modest preventive effect rather than a treatment benefit. If you drink cranberry juice for this purpose, unsweetened versions are preferable to avoid the high sugar content of cocktail varieties.

How does cranberry juice compare to orange juice?

Cranberry juice cocktail has about 137 calories per 8 oz compared to about 112 calories in the same amount of orange juice. Orange juice is generally higher in natural sugars, potassium, and folate, while cranberry juice provides more vitamin C per serving and unique proanthocyanidins. Nutritionally, 100% orange juice tends to offer a broader range of vitamins and minerals than cranberry juice cocktail, which is primarily sweetened water with some cranberry content.

Why is pure cranberry juice so tart?

Cranberries are naturally very low in sugar and extremely high in organic acids, including citric, malic, and quinic acids, giving them one of the most tart flavor profiles of any fruit. A cup of raw cranberries contains only about 4 grams of natural sugar compared to 13 grams in blueberries. This intense sourness is why nearly all commercial cranberry juice products add sweeteners, and why pure 100% cranberry juice is often diluted with water or mixed into smoothies rather than consumed straight.