According to the CDC, around 90% of American adults don’t consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables – a statistic that never fails to concern me.
Juice Plus+ capsules promise an easy solution for people who don’t get enough produce in their diet. I wanted to find out whether these capsules are likely to deliver the alleged benefits claimed by Juice Plus+ and its distributors.
Unfortunately, after looking closely at the Juice Plus+ formula, I realized that although it contains small amounts of dehydrated fruit and vegetable juices, the micronutrient content comes almost entirely from a few added vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, Juice Plus+ capsules lack the fiber, probiotics, and digestive enzymes found in comprehensive daily green powders like Live it Up Super Greens. As I’ll discuss in this review, very little about the Juice Plus+ formula seems to justify its price at the expensive end of the supplements market.
In this article:
- Is Juice Plus+ Worth a Try?
- What Is Juice Plus+?
- Purported Health Benefits
- Ingredient Breakdown
- Quality and Safety
- Cost Analysis
- Taste Review
- Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens
Juice Plus+ Quick Facts
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Key ingredients:
- Powdered fruit and vegetable juice and pulp blend
- Acerola cherry and lemon peel extracts
- Lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, astaxanthin (carotenoids)
- Beta carotene (vitamin A), mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)
- Health claims: Juice Plus+ claims that its supplements can support "cardiovascular health, immune function health, healthy lung function, and healthy skin." Juice Plus+ distributors have also made sweeping statements about the transformative results of adding Juice Plus+ to their diet.
- Notable nutrition points: One serving = 2 Fruit Blend capsules + 2 Vegetable Blend capsules
| Fruit Blend | Vegetable Blend |
| 5 calories | 5 calories |
| 1g total carbs | 1g total carbs |
| <1g dietary fiber | <1g dietary fiber |
| 0g protein | 0g protein |
| 0g total fat | 0g total fat |
|
|
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Possible side effects:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Interactions with certain medications
- Potential side effects due to excess vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation.
- Not recommended for: Individuals looking for gut-supporting probiotics and fiber.
- Cost: Fruit and Vegetable Blend capsules are $54 per month (must be purchased together as a subscription, with 120 servings delivered every 4 months).
- Shipping: Free for U.S. customers.
Is Juice Plus+ Worth a Try?
Although I’m usually supportive of products that aim to increase fruit and vegetable intake, after examining the ingredients in Juice Plus+, I concluded that these capsules don’t offer much nutrient content beyond a few added vitamins. Despite their high cost, Juice Plus+ capsules have more in common with a multivitamin than a nutrient-dense greens powder like Live it Up Super Greens, my go-to recommendation for clients looking for a convenient, affordable way to help fill nutrition gaps and support healthy digestion, energy levels, and immune health.
What Is Juice Plus+?
Juice Plus+ is a line of dietary supplements sold by National Safety Associates (NSA). Founded by Jay Martin in 1970, the company originally sold fire safety equipment, air filters, and water filters before branching into the supplements market in 1993. Juice Plus+ products are “formulated and distributed” by the Juice Plus+ Company, headquartered in Tennessee.
In addition to the dehydrated fruit and vegetable juice capsules, Juice Plus+ also makes chewables, shakes, bars, and powders. Juice Plus+ products are sold in dozens of countries by distributors (“Juice Plus+ Partners”) via multi-level marketing.
Juice Plus+ Pros
- Capsules are convenient for busy lifestyles
- Juice powders likely provide antioxidants and phytonutrients
- Derived from real fruits and vegetables
- On the market since 1993
- Free shipping for U.S. customers
- Also available as “chewables”
- Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and NSF-certified
Juice Plus+ Cons
- Excessive amounts of vitamins A and E (when taken together) yet lacking other vitamins
- Most of the micronutrient content appears to come from synthetic vitamins
- Some of the Juice Plus+ research is not very convincing
- No probiotics and negligible dietary fiber
- Chewables contain 2g of added sugars
- Only available as a 4-month subscription, at $54 per month
- Juice Plus+ distributors sometimes make outlandish claims
Juice Plus+ Purported Benefits
The main message from Juice Plus+ is that their supplements deliver “concentrated plant-based nutrition that helps you bridge the gap between what you should eat, and what you do eat.” The company and its distributors also point to positive changes you may experience, including:
- Decreased inflammation
- More energy
- Improved gum health
- Metabolic health
- Athletic performance
- Skin appearance
- Increased Omega-3 index
Because the anecdotal claims made by Juice Plus+ Partners can’t be verified, I focused on some of the company’s research to see whether the supplements are likely to provide the purported benefits.
Purported Benefit #1: Immune Function
According to the Juice Plus+ website, “combined results from 4 publications show that Juice Plus+ Essentials Fruit & Vegetable Blend Capsules support the function of the immune system.” Each study focused on a different population: law school students, healthcare workers, elderly individuals, and police officers.
However, after reading through the research, I noticed several issues. Setting aside the potential conflicts of interest (most were funded by NSA, the parent company of Juice Plus+), the studies’ conclusions were not very strong.
For example, in the study on healthcare workers, Juice Plus+ supplementation didn’t appear to affect the number of days with cold symptoms that the participants experienced. However, the participants taking Juice Plus+ had 20% fewer days with moderate to severe symptoms than the placebo group, indicating that Juice Plus+ might be slightly better than a placebo at reducing cold symptoms.
Purported Benefit #2: Gut Health
The company cites a 2021 study that “found that Juice Plus+ capsules and Complete by Juice Plus+ positively impact the gut microbiome.”
I found this conclusion very misleading. Complete by Juice Plus+ is a protein shake mix that includes prebiotics and 7g of dietary fiber – ingredients known to support the “good bacteria” in the gut microbiome. However, Juice Plus+ Fruit and Vegetable capsules do not contain prebiotics or probiotics and have almost no dietary fiber.
By combining these two products in a single study, the company asserts that they are both beneficial, even though only the protein shake contains gut-supporting ingredients. The results don’t support the claim that Juice Plus+ capsules (on their own, without a high-fiber shake) positively impact the microbiome.
Purported Benefit #3: Cognitive Function
A 2025 study focusing on polyphenols indicates that Juice Plus+ positively impacts cognitive performance compared to a placebo. The study also suggests that Juice Plus+ supplementation leads to “enhanced neuroprotective activity.”
This research had very promising results. However, when I read the full article, I discovered that the product used in the study was Juice Plus+ Premium, which includes significantly more ingredients and nutrients than the standard capsules.
I also noticed that to be eligible, participants had to “consume fewer than three servings of fruits or vegetables per day,” well below the recommended amount. Thus, although the results support a link between polyphenols and “neuroprotective effects,” the study doesn’t discuss the likelihood that the same effects could be achieved if the participants ate more fruit and vegetables.
Juice Plus+ Ingredient Breakdown
Juice Plus+ capsules contain powdered fruit and vegetable juices with added vitamins, extracts, and carotenoids. Here’s a closer look at what’s in Juice Plus+:
Powdered fruit and vegetable juice and pulp blend
In their natural form, the fruits and vegetables in Juice Plus+ (e.g., apple, peach, orange, prune, date, beet, tomato, carrot, spinach, and kale) are packed with micronutrients
Yet taking Juice Plus+ capsules isn’t the same as eating an apple, a carrot, or a bowl of spinach. The company implies that removing the liquid from fruit and vegetable juices concentrates their nutrients. However, this is impossible to evaluate, as the Nutrition Facts don’t specify how much of each ingredient is in the capsule (though it’s undoubtedly a tiny amount).
Presumably, the juice powders provide certain micronutrients, yet these don’t appear in the Nutrition Facts. Only vitamins A, C, E, and folate are listed – and, notably, these were added separately to the supplement.
Lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, astaxanthin
Juice Plus+ contains several added carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and astaxanthin. Found in colorful foods, these organic pigments are sought after for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Lutein and zeaxanthin are well known for their role in supporting eye health, while lycopene can promote healthy skin.
Beta carotene, mixed tocopherols, d-alpha-tocopherol
The ingredients list specifically mentions “beta carotene” (vitamin A), “mixed tocopherols,” and “sunflower d-alpha-tocopherol” (vitamin E).
Notably, one serving of Juice Plus+ fruit and vegetable capsules exceeds the daily vitamin A recommendation when taken together, providing 160%. In the developed world, dietary vitamin A is readily available and deficiencies are rare. Yet as a fat-soluble vitamin, excess supplementation can cause it to build up in your body, potentially leading to toxicity. It’s worth noting the large amount in Juice Plus+ if you take other supplements containing vitamin A.
On the other hand, Juice Plus+ neglects important vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, nearly all of the B vitamins, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Even generic multivitamins, which are far less expensive than Juice Plus+, typically include a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.
Other Ingredients
The remaining ingredients in Juice Plus+ capsules include: acerola cherry, citrus, and lemon peel extracts, calcium carbonate, citrus bioflavonoids, and tapioca pullulan (a plant-based material used to create the supplement capsule).
Juice Plus+ chewable supplements feature a similar list of ingredients, though they also include 2g of added sugar per serving from tapioca syrup and evaporated cane juice.
Juice Plus+ Quality and Safety
Juice Plus+ products have been on the market since 1993 and have a positive reputation for quality and safety.
The supplements are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and are plant-based, gluten-free, and non-GMO. However, the manufacturer doesn’t state whether Juice Plus+ is third-party tested or made in Good Manufacturing Practices-certified facilities, which is the standard for superfood supplements like AG1 and Live it Up.
Juice Plus+ capsules seem unlikely to result in serious side effects, though some customers have reported minor digestive discomfort, typically when using Juice Plus+ for the first time.
Juice Plus+ Cost Analysis
- Juice Plus+ capsules are only available when you sign up for a subscription. They are delivered every four months.
- Customers can pay in monthly installments of $54 or $216 upfront for the four-month supply.
- Juice Plus+ offers free U.S. shipping and accepts returns for products received in the last six months if they are in resalable condition.
- Customers must buy the fruit and vegetable powder blends together. The recommended serving size is two fruit and two vegetable capsules daily.
- The price per serving is $1.80.
The cost of Juice Plus+ is somewhat more affordable than AG1 ($2.63 per serving, with a subscription). However, it’s still more expensive than popular daily green powders like Live it Up Super Greens and Bloom Greens, which offer a wider range of ingredients, including leafy greens, probiotics, and fiber. For comparison, a Live it Up Super Greens subscription is $39.99 per month ($1.33 per serving). All Live it Up orders (even one-time purchases) come with free U.S. shipping.
Juice Plus+ Taste Review
Taste isn’t a major consideration for most Juice Plus+ customers, as the capsules are designed to be swallowed without chewing. This isn’t for everyone, though, and some customers sprinkle the powder into food or opt for the chewable version.
Juice Plus+ Capsules
For people who don’t mind taking four large capsules every day, Juice Plus+ is an easy way to add some extra nutrients to your diet. Many customers take these capsules daily because they want to do something positive for their bodies, even if they haven’t noticed any discernible benefits.
Rather than swallowing the capsules, some people open them and sprinkle Juice Plus+ into food such as oatmeal or yogurt. I tried this approach and found it was pretty effective at hiding the taste of the powders. However, I like to taste my fruits and veggies, so I prefer whole produce or, when short on time, a great-tasting greens powder
Juice Plus+ Chewables
Juice Plus+ Chewables (Healthy Starts) are a popular alternative to capsules, especially for parents concerned that their children don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables.
However, I don’t think dietary supplements with added sugar from tapioca syrup and evaporated cane juice should be the go-to for parents trying to improve their children’s nutrition. Although Juice Plus+ provides certain vitamins, it doesn’t compare with the nutritional value of whole produce. Even more importantly, Juice Plus+ gummies don’t help kids learn to enjoy eating fruits and vegetables.
Why I Recommend Live it Up Super Greens
With over three decades on the market, Juice Plus+ capsules are popular among people who want an easy way to make up for the lack of fruits and vegetables in their diets. Yet after closely examining the Nutrition Facts and research on Juice Plus+, I concluded that these capsules don’t offer much nutrition beyond the added vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid. Although there’s nothing wrong with taking Juice Plus+, it’s a very expensive way to get a few extra vitamins in your diet.
As I tell my clients, the best sources of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants are undoubtedly whole fruits and vegetables. A high-quality superfood supplement is also useful to help fill nutrient gaps and support numerous areas of your health and well-being.
I love recommending Live it Up’s all-natural Super Greens powder as a convenient and tasty way to support your nutrition with 20+ superfoods provided in effective doses. The vitamins and minerals in Live it Up Super Greens come directly from the leafy greens, cereal grasses, vegetables, and other superfoods. Three grams of dietary fiber, 5 billion CFU of dairy-free probiotics, and three digestive enzymes round out the ingredients list, helping to support digestion, immune function, and normal energy levels.
Live it Up Super Greens is available in two tasty flavors, the slightly minty Original and the fruity Wild Berries, lightly sweetened with monk fruit with no added sugars. All Live it Up blends are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from major allergens. The manufacturer offers free shipping and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all orders, so why not try it for yourself?
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more? Check out these frequently asked questions.
What is Juice Plus+ for?
Juice Plus+ is intended to help individuals fill nutrient gaps when they don’t eat the recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables, though the vitamin content in Juice Plus+ appears to come exclusively from added vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid. If you’re looking to add whole-food nutrients to your diet with an array of vitamins and minerals, I recommend a superfood powder like Live it Up Super Greens.
What are the side effects of Juice Plus+?
Juice Plus+ Partners emphasize that everyone will respond differently to the juice powder capsules. Some customers report digestive discomfort when using Juice Plus+, which is fairly common when starting a new supplement. Individuals with certain allergies should talk with their physicians before trying the capsules, as the labels don’t say whether they’re free from soy, nuts, or dairy.
How much do Juice Plus+ reps get paid?
Juice Plus+ Partners receive a commission when they convince enough people to sign up for a product subscription or become Partners themselves. As with all network marketing companies, only individuals who successfully recruit many other active distributors will see a substantial financial benefit.
Will I lose weight on Juice Plus+?
While many people take Juice Plus+ as part of a healthy diet, the capsules do not provide the macronutrients needed to fuel an active lifestyle. Although the manufacturer points to research relating to body composition, these studies do not prove that Juice Plus+ helps people lose weight.
References
- https://abcnews.go.com/Health/10-adults-eating-fruits-vegetables-cdc-finds/story?id=82117939
- https://us.juiceplus.com/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-e/art-20364144
- https://us.juiceplus.com/pages/about-us
- https://us.juiceplus.com/pages/become-a-partner
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/phytonutrients
- https://nutritionstudies.org/whole-food-supplements-is-juice-plus-good-for-you/
- https://us.juiceplus.com/pages/research
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/reduction-of-common-cold-symptoms-by-encapsulated-juice-powder-concentrate-of-fruits-and-vegetables-a-randomised-doubleblind-placebocontrolled-trial/4E3A02A6D1E0EF0A17D0043394E843C4
- https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)08486-3/fulltext
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1096219099000104
- https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)09478-0/fulltext
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33920059/
- https://us.juiceplus.com/collections/shakes
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/4/601
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/how-many-fruits-and-vegetables-do-we-really-need
- https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-and-nutrition-pseudoscience/lets-squeeze-hype-out-juice-plus
- https://www.thenutritionguruandthechef.com/2019/10/24/the-truth-about-juice-plus/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
- https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)16272-3/fulltext
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/carotenoids
- https://www.verywellfit.com/mixed-tocopherols-benefits-side-effects-dosage-and-interactions-4693629
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-a-toxicity
- https://www.nsf.org/knowledge-library/what-is-nsf-certification
- https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/60ffc970f9f487044c497b84
- https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/659dbd2e8361d10d156e9a6b
- https://us.juiceplus.com/collections/chewables/products/fruit-and-vegetable-chewables
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2HH8WF6KEDH7B/
- https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/10/18/163098211/evaporated-cane-juice-sugar-in-disguise
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/phytonutrients
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22381025/
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