Amid the ongoing debate between fruity juices, the ultimate showdown between apple juice and orange juice captures the taste buds—and opinions—of several. This rivalry remains shown on breakfast tables and brunch gatherings, sparking a flavorful feud. In one corner, the crisp contender, apple juice, stands ready to deliver knockout punches. In the other corner, overwhelmed orange juice assumes a demure stance, afraid of battle. However, the match does not need to last 12 rounds for the judges to know the outcome. Spoiler alert: apple juice reigns supreme. The crispness, versatility and balanced sweetness lead apple juice to its well-deserved victory. 

“My favorite brand of apple juice is the one by Mott’s. It’s not too sweet or sour, which I like, because orange juice can sometimes be too sour.  I know the debate between apple juice and orange juice has gone on for a while, but it should be clear that apple juice is much better,” junior Adrianna Peters said. 

Fruit juices have become a regular part of what people around the world drink. On average, each American consumes 115.4 pounds of fresh and processed fruit. Apple juice consumption rate of 14 pounds, fresh apples consumption rate at 10.7 pounds and canned, dried and frozen apples consumption rate of 3.3 pounds places apples at the top spot for fruit consumption.

While critics may champion orange juice for its vitamin-rich profile, they conveniently overlook the nutritional powerhouse that apple juice provides. While orange juice boasts vitamin C, B1, flare, potassium and copper, it lacks significant fiber amounts. On the contrary, apple juice not only matches orange juice in macronutrientsbut also outshines its rival with its fiber-rich composition. Studies link apple juice to reducing body fat, cholesterol, diabetes risk and blood pressure. Orange juice may provide a vitamin boost; however, the scale tips unanimously in favor of apple juice for both flavor and holistic benefits. 

Apple juice also surpasses orange juice in its versatility, seamlessly complementing various meals. The crisp and subtly sweet flavor profile, influenced by the diverse range of apple varieties, creates an ideal companion for diverse meals, ranging from hearty dinners to refreshing snacks. Apples come in a multitude of flavors, from the tartness of Granny Smith to the honeyed sweetness of Honeycrisp, offering a spectrum of taste options in apple juice. This adaptability ensures that apple juice’s refreshing and balanced taste does not limit itself to a mere morning ritual, establishing it as a beverage suitable for several occasions.

“I definitely think apple juice is better than orange juice. Apple juice has a lot more flavor and is much smoother than orange juice. It also pairs better with most meals. For example, someone might have apple juice with their lunch or dinner, but I feel like with orange juice, you can only really have it during breakfast and maybe some brunch items,” Peters said. 

In the grand arena of versatility, apple juice emerges as the undisputed champion, seamlessly complementing a plethora of meals. Its diverse range of apple varieties transforms it into the ultimate culinary companion. The fruity duel rages on, but in this narrative, apple juice, with its right hook and unbeatable qualities, remains the reigning champion, leaving an indelible mark on taste buds across the nation.