Is Canned Vegetable Juice Nutritious?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Ask the Diva: Is Canned Vegetable Juice Nutritious?
Q. The ad for V8 claims that it provides 2 servings of vegetables. What do you think of the nutritional value of canned vegetable juice?
Answer. Compared to what? Compared to a big salad, a can of V8 doesn’t stack up very well. Compared to a Coke, it’s a nutritional bonanza! Seriously, canned vegetable juice is a mixed bag. On the one hand, you can reduce many cups of vegetables into a single cup of juice, allowing you to consume several servings of vegetables in a single glass. On the other hand, a lot of nutrients, particularly the antioxidants, are lost in the processing. Canned vegetables juices also tend to be very high in sodium.
I think canned vegetable juice is fine as a way to get an extra serving or two of vegetables, but ideally it shouldn’t replace fresh vegetables in your diet. Vegetable juice can also be a good alternative to sugary drinks or fatty snacks.
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.