Natural Fruit Juice (good brands or make your own)

Many people like a glass of fruit juice in the morning, but many brands on sale are not very ethical (Tropicana even sneaks fish and gelatine into some flavours – why on earth do you need to check for these ingredients in a bottle of fruit juice?!)

Here are some better homegrown artisan brands. Plus info below if you fancy making your own (this is not that complicated, but you do have to take care to sterilise bottles and ensure you avoid unpasteurised juice for those vulnerable of infection.

Check medication before consuming grapefruit or rhubarb. Always use pasteurised juices for pregnancy/nursing, children or people with weak immunity. 

Before recycling, give a quick rinse (to remove sweet tastes) then pop ring-pulls back over holes (and pinch tops shut) to avoid wildlife getting trapped.

Flawsome (fruit juices from wonky fruit)

Flawsome! is a drinks brand which makes cold-pressed healthy drinks, all made from wonky surplus fruit, that would otherwise go to landfill. The cold-pressed juices are sold in glass bottles and cans.

The company was founded by a married couple, who used to help out at their respective grandmothers’ orchards, so had a real appreciation of fresh fruit. After visiting a local farm and seeing fresh produce go to waste, it sparked a business idea.

So with twins on the way, they used £800 savings to start this drinks brand, that is now sold nationwide, to help hydrate the nation, and use up wonky fruit at the same time.

So far the company has rescued over 77 million fruits from landfill, and support local farmers by paying fair prices for wonky surplus fruit.

The range includes:

• A range of apple drinks (apples are one of the most wasted fruits in England). Flavours include sweet and sour apple, apple-cherry, apple-strawberry and apple-rhubarb.
• Orange juice (each bottle save 3 oranges from landfill). Oranges only came to England during the 17th century, eaten by those with access to orangeries (big greenhouses). Before that, Queen Eleanor (from Spain) would order oranges to dock at Portsmouth.
• Fruit Waters are packed in paper wrappers (with paper straws) and blend still water with wonky fruit, for a hydrating alternative to water, without the plastic waste. Ideal for office or child lunchboxes.

Food waste issues in England

One third of all food in the world goes to waste, with the UK throwing away enough food each year to feed over 30 million people. Yet 8.5 million people cannot afford to eat properly. There is enough food thrown away each year, to feed everyone on earth.

Food waste at landfill also contributes to methane gas, which contributes to the 10% of greenhouse gas emissions caused from food waste (contributing more emissions than plastic waste).

Why do we have so much food waste? Unlike most European countries (where people still buy food from greengrocers and bakers), we are ruled by giant supermarkets that often reject fresh produce if it’s not the right shape, size or colour).

Biona Organic (fruit juices in glass bottles)

Biona Organic offers a nice line of organic fruit juices. Including grape, blueberry and cherry (full of melatonin, this makes for a wonderful ‘natural sleeping pill’ if you drink it a couple of hours before bedtime.

The brand also makes beetroot juice, from one of nature’s sweetest vegetables.

James White organic juices in glass bottles

James White is very dedicated to finding organic produce, so the flavours have resulted in being totally unique! From everyday apple and ginger to pear raspberry, you’ll also find savoury carrot, tomato and an all-mixed vegetable juice

Pip Organic (planet-friendly sparkling canned juice)

Pip Organic Apple Fizz (also in apple cherry grape flavour) is like the a homegrown artisan version of Appletiser, made with organic apples (non-organic ones are often sprayed with dead insects, to make them look shiny). Sold in easy-to-recycle cans, you can find this brand in stores or order in packs of 24 online.

Both drinks count as one of your ‘five-a-day’ due to the healthy organic fruit, and of course they are refreshing drinks as alternatives to sodas and drinks made with artificial sweeteners.

Organic apple juice is rich in antioxidants to boost immunity, and also a source of natural electrolytes, for good hydration. Consume in moderation, due to natural sugars.

This brand was founded by a husband and wife, who began making pure organic juice, to sell at a stall in London’s Borough Market. The juice was so popular, there was obviously a market to sell organic juice nationwide.

Wholesale accounts are available, if you would love to bring PIP organic sparkling juices to your small shop, bar, hotel or restaurant.

REJUCE (carbonated fruit juices from wonky fruit)

REJUCE is a London drinks brand that produces tasty carbonated juices, made from wonky (yet still edible) fruit and veg, to stop it going to landfill. Chef Tom had worked for 10 years seeing food needlessly being thrown away, so decided to study more about food waste, and find solutions.

The cold-pressed juices are sold in glass bottles, and the carbonated juices are sold in cans. The range of juices includes:

• Berry (a refreshing summer drink). Each saves 30 berries.
• Apple (a refreshing drink that’s ideal with dips, chips and veggie pakoras). Each can saves 4 apples.
• Orange (a combination of sweet and tart fruits). Each can saves 4 oranges.

REJUCE’s founder has big ambitions, hoping this juice is soon stocked nationwide (it’s presently sold in hundreds of retailers). With plans to launch a cider, and even a toilet paper made from juice pulp!

Interested in placing an order? Just contact REJUCE Sales and Account Manager to find out more!

Make your own fruit juice (simple recipes)

Homemade fruit juice is easy to make. But there are a few safety caveats, as store-bought versions are obviously sterilised and pasteurised.

• Wash produce under running water (even if peeling) and discard bruised areas.
• Wash and sanitise juicers, knives and cutting boards with hot soapy water, before and after use.
• Keep juice chilled at the right temperature and consume within a day or so, to minimise bacteria growth.
• Avoid unpasteurised juice for children, pregnancy/nursing and weak immune systems.

Greenscents Organic Fruit and Veg Wash is made with 97% organic ingredients, to help reduce exposure to potential threats like listeria, E.coli and salmonella, for cleaner food and peace of mind. Even organic fruits and vegetables can pick up bacteria in transport.

Use code GSENGLANDNATURALLY for 15% off entire order (minimum purchase £20)

Cantaloupe melon carries a slightly risk of salmonella poisoning, due to the netted ring. Keep cut melons in the fridge away from other foods, use a clean knife and wash the melon thoroughly underneath the rind, using up within a few days.

Try these two recipes for homemade strawberry juice and homemade peach juice (both by Broke Bank Vegan).