All Cranberry Juices Are Not Created Equal

Disclosure:  I received a compensation in return for this post. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. All thoughts are my own.

Confession:  I wasn't raised on cranberries.  The only cranberries that existed to me were in the can and plopped out on a plate during Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas.  Still in can form.  Cranberries were definitely an acquired taste for me.  But in my old age, I'm all about the cranberries because it's good for my insides.  Keeping me well.  I have even ventured into making fresh cranberry sauce from scratch!  I love dried cranberries in salad.  With all that said, did you know that all cranberry juices are not created equal?     
Avoid excess ‘added sugar’ by selecting 100% fruit juice with a minimum of 27% cranberry juice.
Cranberry juice “cocktails” may contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a sweetener but still provide the same calorie, carb and sugar content as 100% juice blends.The difference is that 100% juice blends provide vitamins and phytonutrients from the other juices, HFCS sweetens but does not provide nutritional value.

The National Kidney Foundation® suggests drinking a glass of cranberry juice daily may help prevent urinary tract infections.

If you don’t like the acidic flavor of cranberry juice, try these simple summer ideas to cut the tartness and enjoy the nutritional benefits:
• Mix 1⁄4 cup of pure cranberry juice (or 1 cup of cranberry cocktail or 100% juice blend) with 1 cup of sparkling lime water. Serve over ice.
• Cranberry Sangria: Simply combine the following ingredients and chill for 4 hours. A bottle (750 ml) of fruity red wine, 4 cups of cranberry juice, 1 cup of orange juice, 1 thinly sliced orange, 1 cored and thinly sliced apple, 1⁄2 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries. Serve over ice.
Other tips:
• In the Wintertime try a hot mulled cranberry drink. Simply combine 1 cup of cranberry juice, 1⁄2 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves and a slice of orange in a small saucepan. Simmer gently and strain before serving. For an adult version add a splash of brandy before serving.
• When making oatmeal try replacing the water with cranberry juice.

For more information on health benefits and recipes with Cranberry Juice, go to
www.BeBerryaware.com

This is a compensated post.  All thoughts are my own.