Looking for the best tasting cranberry juice that money can buy? Donβt get bogged down by all of the options, just scroll through our guide to the best cranberry juices and in a few short minutes, youβll have all the answers you need.
Whether you seek cranberry juice that is pure or sparkling, low in calories or high in probiotics, weβve got the inside scoop to all of these delicious beverage options. So refill those ice cube trays or break out your favorite blender, because no matter which way you prefer to get your cran on, youβre in for a dose of the good stuff!
Table of Contents
What is Cranberry Juice?
If youβve ever had a fresh cranberry, you probably remember it all too well! The fact is, cranberries are naturally lower in sugar content as compared to other fruits, making them very tart.
For this reason, the juice of these punchy berries is rarely consumed as is, rather it is often mixed with water, other juices, and/or sweeteners to produce the product we see on grocery store shelves labeled as βcranberry juiceβ.
Types of Cranberry Juice
The range of cranberry juice products out there runs the gamut, from full strength cranberry nectar (check out our guide to Nectar vs. Juice for more on this distinction!) all the way to refreshing juice blends and cranberry juice βfruit drinksβ.
Cranberry juices may be made from pure juice, reconstituted from concentrate, or be mainly water based with sweeteners and natural flavors added.
Ranking the Best Cranberry Juice
The Test Subjects
After scouring our local markets and grocery stores, we were able to score the following 14 different cranberry juices we deemed worthy of including in our review:
- 365 Whole Foods Market Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice
- Apple & Eve 100% Cranberry-Raspberry Juice
- Full Circle Market Organic Cranberry Juice Blend
- GT's Synergy Raw Cosmic Cranberry Kombucha
- Lakewood Organic Pure Cranberry Juice
- Martinelli's Gold Medal Sparkling Cranberry-Apple Juice
- Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Calcium + Vitamin C
- Ocean Spray Diet Sparkling Cranberry Juice
- R.W. Knudsen Family 'Just Cranberry' Juice
- Santa Cruz Organic Cranberry Nectar
- Simply Cranberry Cocktail
- Trader Joe's 100% Cranberry Juice
- Trader Joe's Sparkling Cranberry Juice Blend
- Tropicana Cranberry Cocktail
The Methodology
From this collection of cranberry thirst-quenchers, we sought to appoint one winner from each of these 8 categories:
- Best Pure Cranberry Juice
- Best Cranberry Juice Blend
- Best Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- Best Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
- Best Low-Cal Cranberry Juice
- Best Cranberry Juice For Your Gut
- Best Sparkling Cranberry Juice
- Best Budget Cranberry Juice
The Taste Test
Aside from taking any excuse to drink cranberry juice and call it βworkβ, our aim behind the taste test was to acquire an impartial comparison of one cranberry juice to the next. Our panel of tasters sampled each cranberry juice chilled--as was universally recommended on all bottles--and in an alternating order, so as to avoid the palate fatigue we knew this tannin-rich elixir was bound to induce.
The Criteria
After the tasting, cross comparison, and pertinent research, each cranberry juice was graded according to the following criteria. We used a 5-point scale, and each score was then calculated into an overall average mark for each juice.
- Taste & Texture: a delicious cranberry juice should be sweet yet sour, and have plenty of that mouth-drying action! We also considered the texture of each juice, making note of product viscosity and mouthfeel.
- Nutrition Content: paying special attention to sugar and calorie content, any vitamins/minerals provided, and the general quality of ingredients used.
- Unique Characteristics: weβre talking special flavors or ingredients, unique production methods, special characteristics of the parent company, or anything else that sets one juice apart from the next.
- Value: calculated to the price per ounce.
- Production & Packaging: where each juice is produced, how widely it is distributed, how readily available each juice would be to most folks, and any points to consider regarding the bottling and labeling of each cranberry juice.
Best Pure Cranberry Juice:
Lakewood Organic Pure Cranberry Juice
Type: Shelf Stable
Size: 32 oz bottle
From Concentrate? No
Here is how Lakewood Organic Pure Cranberry Juice scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.1 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 5.0 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.8 / 5.0
- Value: 4.0 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.8 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.5 / 5.0
This option from Lakewood Organics is our favorite example of cranberry juice in its most concentrated form, completely pure and free from any other juices, sweeteners, artificial flavors, and preservatives. In addition to the wealth of phytochemicals and antioxidants that this juice is loaded with, it also has an impressive micronutrient profile, providing 40% DV vitamin B5, 35% DV manganese, 15% vitamin E, and smaller quantities of vitamin B6, potassium, and iron per serving.
You can also feel confident that this juice is free from any contaminants or unwanted residues, as it is certified USDA organic, non-GMO verified, and bottled in glass which is free from BPAβs, BPS, and DEHP.
The informative labeling alerts consumers to the fact that each bottle of Lakewood Pure Cranberry Juice represents an amazing 3 pounds of fresh cranberries. And speaking of the bottle, it also contains helpful tips for diluting the thick juice with water or another juice.
We certainly recommend that you take the dilution advice here! The rich cranberry flavor of this nectar is just far too tangy and bitter to drink straight up. On the bright side however, this intense characteristic makes this an excellent product to serve as the basis for another beverage or cocktail, as just a splash will impart plenty of cranberry flavor and benefits to your drink of choice!
The fact that a little goes a long way here is a good thing, as this juice is supremely expensive--the 32 ounce bottle actually cost us just over $14.00! This brand also tends to be a bit hard to come across and is not always available in major grocery stores, meaning you might have to find a local health food store in order to get your hands on a bottle of this stuff.
Pros:
- Is pure cranberry through and through--no added water, sweeteners, flavors, or colors.
- Extremely nutrient dense, with loads of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- USDA organic and non-GMO.
- Glass bottle is free from contaminants like BPA and DEHP.
- Label has dilution tips to maximize the palatability!
Cons:
- Far too mouth-puckering to enjoy as is, needs to be mixed!
- Very expensive, coming in at $.44 per ounce.
- Not a very readily available brand, sometimes only found in specialty stores.
Best Cranberry Juice Blend:
365 Whole Foods Market Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice
Type: Shelf Stable
Size: 64 oz bottle
From Concentrate? Yes
Here is how 365 Whole Foods Market Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.2 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.6 / 5.0
- Value: 4.9 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.5 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.6 / 5.0
Since cranberry juice is extremely tart on its own, many cran-centric juice options consist of a mixture of the sour stuff plus other sweeter, fruiter juices! This cranberry-pomegranate blend from 365 Whole Foods Market brand was among our favorites for the way it holds true to its cranberry roots while simultaneously being much more refreshing to drink.
This juice is a blend of filtered water and cranberry, apple, white grape, and pomegranate juice concentrates which all complement each other quite nicely, resulting in a fruity, sweet, and very flavorful beverage. You can easily drink this one on its own, mix it with sparkling water, or heck, blend it into your favorite margarita mix for a super festive cocktail!
One 8-ounce serving of this crimson colored refreshment checks your vitamin C box for the day, providing a full 100% DV of vitamin C. This juice blend is also certified organic, non-GMO, and is completely vegan--a point which you might think would be obvious, but unfortunately, some juices contain refined sugars (which are processed with animal products) and are therefore not always vegan friendly. 365 Whole Foods Market Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice is also extremely affordable, costing just $.08 per ounce!
Despite the fact that there are no added sugars in this juice blend, it is still quite high in sugar content, with 32 grams of sugars per serving. Also, though the key flavor profile of this juice is featured as βCranberry-Pomegranateβ, we have to say, we didnβt really taste much pom going on and naming the juice after one of the other more prevalent flavors would have been more accurate.
Pros:
- Wonderfully balanced flavor profile, very drinkable and refreshing taste.
- Blend of 4 different juices!
- Ideal for drinking by itself or for flavoring other beverages.
- Provides 100% DV of vitamin C.
- Organic, non-GMO, and vegan.
- Very affordable, less than $.10 per ounce.
Cons:
- High in sugar content, with 32 grams per serving.
- Pomegranate flavor is advertised but is actually not all that detectable.
Best Cranberry Juice Cocktail:
Simply Cranberry Cocktail
Type: Refrigerated
Size: 52 oz bottle
From Concentrate? No
Here is how Simply Cranberry Cocktail scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.6 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.0 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.5 / 5.0
- Value: 4.9 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.8 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.6 / 5.0
Unlike a juice blend, which consists of cranberry plus other fruit juices, cranberry cocktail is all cranberry all the way! It is however, not pure cranberry juice as water, sweeteners, and other ingredients may be added to improve taste and appearance.
This Cranberry Cocktail from the folks at Simply took the cake in the juice cocktail department, for the fact that it is not from concentrate, rather it is full strength cranberry juice mixed with water and sweetener. We also like that this juice comes from the refrigerated section of the grocery store, giving us hope that there are a few more polyphenols floating around in this one as compared to its heat-treated counterparts.
We love the ruby red coloring and crystal clarity of this juice, and we have to say, something about the square, multifaceted shape of the bottle really adds to its appeal. The bottle also features a scannable QR code for full product info at your fingertips and alerts us to the fact that all ingredients in this juice cocktail are non-GMO.
Weβre not going to lie, this juice did taste good but its level of sweetness was almost more like a soda than a juice! Of the 34 grams of sugar in this juice, 29 of them are added sugars, so you can do the math on how much they mixed in during the concoction of this cocktail.
Itβs also important to note that this is not a 100% juice product, rather it is only 27% juice and, we were sad to see no micronutrient content anywhere to be found! All signs point to this beverage being more of a treat than a healthy option.
Pros:
- Made from fresh juice as opposed to cranberry concentrate.
- Is refrigerated as opposed to shelf stable--nice and fresh!
- Juice has a beautiful vibrant red color and nice clarity.
- Square sided bottle is unique and really makes the juice look appealing.
- Scannable QR code for extra nutrition info and other details.
- Made with non-GMO ingredients.
Cons:
- Taste is extremely sweet, a bit much for our tastersβ palates.
- Contains 29 grams of added sugar.
- Contains only 27% juice.
- Negligible vitamin/mineral content.
Best Unsweetened Cranberry Juice:
R.W. Knudsen Family 'Just Cranberry' Juice
Type: Shelf Stable
Size: 32 oz bottle
From Concentrate? Yes
Here is how R.W. Knudsen Family 'Just Cranberry' Juice scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 3.9 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.7 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.8 / 5.0
- Value: 4.3 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.7 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.5 / 5.0
In stark contrast with all of that sugar content that comes with the territory in cranberry juice cocktails, unsweetened versions of cranberry juice products are a great choice for those who are watching their sugar intake or simply prefer to stick with natural sugars instead of downing a ton of the refined stuff.
R.W. Knudsen Family 'Just Cranberry' Juice is just that, with only 8 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving, each and every one of those grams comes from the cranberry fruit itself. And, there are no artificial sweeteners to worry about here either! Itβs all cran all the way.
As per the bottle, this juice is made from natural ingredients with no preservatives nor artificial flavors. This juice is non-GMO project verified and we absolutely love the texture of this juice. It has a nice viscosity but is not overly thick as some of the other βjust cranberryβ juice varieties we tested.
We also love the handcrafted appeal of Knudsenβs line of juices, as well as their company values from quality and sustainability to fostering multi-generational relationships with farmers.
Take note that, as an unsweetened cranberry juice, this product is another example of a juice which might need a bit of tinkering to make it enjoyable! That sour, bitterβalmost salty taste of the cranberry juice on its own is not going to be considered βready to drinkβ by most folksβ standards.
We also have a gripe with some of the marketing on this one. The label proudly states that each 8-ounce serving is equivalent to 1 serving of fruit, however it's no secret that the equation is not quite that simple. You might be getting all of the vitamin and nutrient benefits by extracting the juice, but you are of course missing out on the fiber that comes from the whole fruit. Bottom line: we donβt love when labeling is a little misleading.
Pros:
- Naturally low in sugar, with just 8 grams per serving.
- No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors, or additives.
- Non-GMO.
- Has a great texture, a bit thicker than juice blends, but not overly so.
- Company operates under an umbrella of socially and environmentally minded values.
Cons:
- Flavor is extremely sour and bitterβyouβll need to dilute it with water or another juice in order to enjoy this one!
- Label makes somewhat misleading dietary claims.
Best Low-Cal Cranberry Juice:
Ocean Spray Diet Sparkling Cranberry Juice
Type: Shelf Stable
Size: 46 oz (in 4 cans)
From Concentrate? Yes
Here is how Ocean Spray Diet Sparkling Cranberry Juice scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.4 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.7 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.5 / 5.0
- Value: 4.8 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.4 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.5 / 5.0
Due to its high sugar content, most cranberry juices--and most juices in general, for that matter--are also quite high in calories. In fact, the average is around 105 calories per 1 cup serving, which can add up to quite a bit depending on how often you reach for some fruit-juicy goodness throughout the day.
For this reason, itβs always nice to have a low-calorie option to reach for, as a means to quench your thirst without breaking your calorie budget for the day. We found Ocean Spray Diet Sparkling Cranberry Juice to be just the ticket on this one! Despite the βdietβ designation, the cranberry flavor here is actually quite good and when combined with the beverageβs refreshing effervescence, has an incredibly refreshing and satisfying appeal.
One sleek can of this sparkling cranberry juice comes in at just 10 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and only 3 grams of carbs. It has a nicely balanced sweet-tart taste which we can see working well as a mixer or of course, just for enjoying on its own.
This low-sugar designation comes with a trade-off of course, as in place of sugar, artificial sweeteners are used to improve this drinkβs taste. In addition to sucralose (the compound used to make Splenda), Ocean Spray Diet Sparkling Cranberry Juice contains acesulfame potassium--an artificial sweetener which remains controversial as far as health concern claims.
In addition, be aware there is only 10% actually cranberry juice in this product, meaning youβll be getting far fewer health benefits if you opt for this cranberry juice option.
Pros:
- Solid cranberry flavor with a nice balance between sweet and tart.
- Refreshingly effervescent and thirst-quenching!
- Lowest calorie cranberry juice we tested: just 10 calories per serving.
- Also low in sugar and carbs, with just 1 gram and 3 grams respectively.
- Would work well as a standalone beverage or for use as a mixer!
Cons:
- Contains multiple artificial sweeteners, some of which are under study for health concerns.
- Contains only 10% actual juice.
- Not as nutrient-dense as other juice options.
Best Cranberry Juice For Your Gut:
GT's Synergy Raw Cosmic Cranberry Kombucha
Type: Refrigerated
Size: 16 oz bottle
From Concentrate? No
Here is how GT's Synergy Raw Cosmic Cranberry Kombucha scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.8 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.2 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 5.0 / 5.0
- Value: 4.4 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 5.0 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.7 / 5.0
The goodness of cranberry juice plus the goodness of probiotic rich kombucha? Yes, please! In addition to the polyphenol and antioxidant content of cranberry juice, this Cosmic Cranberry Kombucha also delivers enzymes and gut-healthy probiotic bacteria--9 million of them in fact!
We love the simple ingredients list of this product, with 2 key components: organic kombucha (which includes both green and black tea as well as kombucha culture) and organic cranberry juice.
The fizzy characteristic of this beverage is all natural, as the living organisms in the liquid produce a bit of carbon dioxide thereby aerating the drink. This effervescence combines with the slightly funky kombucha and tangy cranberry quite nicely. We also love the packaging on this one, something about the glass bottle, ornate labeling, and poignant thoughts printed throughout make you feel like youβre really doing something good for your body.
On the downside, the cranberry flavor in this option is definitely on the back burner as the kombucha taste is far more front and center. And sadly, all of the living organism benefits seem to come at the cost of vitamins and minerals too, as there is no micronutrient profile to be found on the nutrition label.
Itβs very important to note as well that this product--and all kombucha--contains traces of alcohol and therefore may not be suitable for all cranberry juice drinkers.
Pros:
- Combines 2 health benefit powerhouses in one: cranberry juice + kombucha!
- Contains 9 billion living probiotic bacteria.
- Naturally occurring effervescence is nicely refreshing.
- Kombucha funk and sweet-tangy cranberry flavors are a nice balance.
- Bottle and labeling are very well done and add to the overall appeal of this beverage.
Cons:
- Cranberry juice is not the most front and center flavor here.
- No vitamins/minerals to be seen.
- Kombucha contains traces of alcohol.
Best Sparkling Cranberry Juice:
Trader Joe's Sparkling Cranberry Juice Blend
Type: Shelf Stable
Size: 25.4 oz bottle
From Concentrate? Yes
Here is how Trader Joe's Sparkling Cranberry Juice Blend scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.5 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.0 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.5 / 5.0
- Value: 4.6 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.6 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.4 / 5.0
Aside from being a nutritious everyday juice option, cranberry juice is also popular in sparkling form as a special occasion beverage or a unique alternative to soda.
Among Trader Joeβs impressive slew of sparkling juice options we found this Cranberry Juice Blend, a tasty concoction of tangy cranberry, sweet white grape, and tart lemon juices. Thereβs even a bit of cranberry puree mixed into this blend, adding some body and a touch of wholeness to the mix!
It comes in a sleek glass bottle and has plenty of bubbly action. A couple of subtle snowflakes on the label lead us to believe that this might be a holiday season leftover, but whether you are looking to enjoy it for festive celebrations or you want a drink to amp up any olβ week night, this is a great choice.
Though this is indeed a 100% juice blend, cranberry is not at the forefront here--and in this case, we like that! If you want a hint of cranberry but not the full on tannic experience, this sparkly choice is the cranberry juice you want to be reaching for.
This drink is certainly an indulgence though, as it boasts 150 calories per serving--at the top of the charts of all of the cranberry juices we evaluated. It also has miniscule micronutrient content, with just a couple % DV of both calcium and potassium. And while the wine-shaped bottle looks sleek and fancy, there are sadly only 3 servings of the drink inside, which isnβt going to go very far.
Pros:
- Nice blend of cranberry, white grape, and lemon juice.
- Contains real cranberry puree for great color and texture!
- Packaged in a fancy-feeling bottle for added flair.
- Carbonation adds a unique element to the juice blend.
- Cranberry flavor is nicely subtle, ideal if tartness is not your thing.
- Is ideal for both special occasions as well as everyday use.
Cons:
- Has almost the highest calorie content of all, with 150 calories per serving.
- Not much vitamin/mineral content here.
- Only 3 servings in the bottle.
Best Budget Cranberry Juice:
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Calcium + Vitamin C
Type: Shelf Stable
Size: 64 oz bottle
From Concentrate? Yes
Here is how Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Calcium + Vitamin C scored in each of our criteria categories:
- Taste & Texture: 4.6 / 5.0
- Nutrition Content: 4.8 / 5.0
- Unique Characteristics: 4.6 / 5.0
- Value: 5.0 / 5.0
- Production & Packaging: 4.5 / 5.0
- Overall Score: 4.7 / 5.0
When it comes to budget friendly shopping, itβs not always as simple as reaching for the most affordable product. The key is to get a great bang for your buck--whether that means good nutrition, taste, versatility or all of the above!
This Cranberry Juice Cocktail from the most well-known cranberry juice brand Ocean Spray hits all of those notes and more, all while being the cheapest juice we scooped up! The big 64-ounce bottle cost us a mere $3.29, which works out to just a $.05 per ounce.
There is no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or preservatives in this juice and it offers a decent vitamin and mineral boost to boot! Each serving of this stuff provides you with 10% DV of calcium and 100%--yes, full 100!--DV of vitamin C.
We also really dig the flavor of this juice and can vouch for the fact that the folks at Ocean Spray have their cranberry juice nailed down. It is pleasantly tangy yet still sweet enough that you could easily enjoy this juice cocktail on its own. You also get to feel good about where your money goes when you pick up a bottle of this stuff, as the label proudly states that 100% of profits go to farmers--farmers just like those that are featured on the label of each cranberry juice bottle!
Despite the good taste and good vibes, we really didnβt love the ingredients label on this one. This product is only 27% juice and in addition to cranberry concentrate, the label features a number of complicated chemicals as well as vegetable concentrate for improved color. Real cranberries are vibrant enough, so why mess with a good thing, we say!
Itβs also worth noting that 22 of the 25 grams of sugar in this juice are added, and all in all, this may be more sugar than you're looking to consume regularly in your beverages.
Pros:
- Is the most affordable juice we found, coming in at just 5 cents per ounce!
- Free from HFCS, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
- Provides a full dayβs supply of vitamin C as well as a bit of calcium.
- Flavor is a nice balance of tangy tannins and sweetness.
- Ocean Spray works hard to support their community of cranberry farmers!
Cons:
- Only 27% juice.
- Contains lots of added ingredients and even additional sources of coloring.
- High in sugar, with 22 grams of additional sugars per serving.
Best Cranberry Juice FAQs
What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Cranberry Juice?
This jewel-toned treat is an excellent source of vitamin C, which works to support the immune system, repair skin cells, and maintain overall good health. In addition, cranberry juice contains antioxidants which fend off free radical damage, potentially defending the body against ailments like skin cancer and colon cancer.
In perhaps its most well known health-centric role, cranberries also support urinary tract health by combating harmful bacteria in the bladder and kidneys, thereby reducing the risk and effects of urinary tract infections.
Which Cranberry Juice is the Healthiest to Drink?
Of course if youβre looking to drink cranberry juice for its health benefits, youβll want to steer away from options that have added sugars. Look for cranberry juice that is in its most pure form possible, and take note of the fact that you may need to dilute it with water or add a splash of a more palatable juice in order to make it more drinkable.
As long as you monitor your sugar intake, drinking a bit of cranberry juice is an excellent option for getting a boost of phytochemicals and micronutrients into your daily diet.
Does Drinking Cranberry Juice Have Any Risks?
There is lingering debate that drinking cranberry juice in moderate to excessive amounts may not be safe for folks who are taking certain blood thinners. Some studies suggest that cranberries can contribute to the anticoagulant properties of these medications, however, other studies have since proven the combination to be safe.
We always err on the side of caution so if you are taking a blood thinning medication, ask your doctor!
Is Cranberry Juice Gluten Free?
Yes! All of the cranberry juices that we included in our review are gluten free, and actually, we have yet to come across any cranberry juice which isnβt. Gluten containing products just simply arenβt involved in the juice-making biz.
However, as always there could be an exception especially when it comes to specialty products or small-batch juices. Always check the label!
Final Thoughts on the Best Cranberry Juice
From juices that sport the richest cranberry flavor to those options that feature minimal sugar, beverages made from cranberry juice concentrate or full-force freshly squeezed fruit juice, we've covered every corner of the cranberry juice market!
When shopping for the best cranberry juice, the key is to look for whatever characteristics are most important to you, whether it be nutrition, flavor, or affordability.
Still thirsty and in the mood for a different thirst quencher? Sip on another of our beverage reviews from the Best Mango Juice to the Best Oat Milk!
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