Apple concentrate vs. grape concentrate for the food industry

Concentrated fruit juices represent a delicious and rich source of essential nutrients for the body. They are perfect for taking advantage of the benefits of fresh fruit in the preparation of a large number of foods and beverages. Among these concentrates, apple juice concentrate stands out for its versatility and ability to flavor foods. Grape juice concentrate also stands out for its high antioxidant content and coloring power.

Both apple and grape concentrates are healthy and valuable ingredients in the production of any food product. They even make it easier to provide the consumer with a more than satisfactory taste experience.

• Apple Juice Concentrate
• Grape Juice Concentrate
• World trend in the consumption of apple and grape juice concentrates
• JULIÁN SOLER: concentrated grape juice that connects to the world

Apple Juice Concentrate

Apple juice concentrate is a viscous, unfermented, amber-colored liquid. It is obtained by mechanical processing of the ripe fruit and its subsequent concentration, through a process of heating and evaporation, where a significant percentage of the water is removed from the juice. It can be presented as:

• Cloudy concentrated juice or juice with pulp, with a sugar concentration of approximately 45° Brix, widely used for the production of other juices and nectars.
• Clarified concentrated juice, obtained by clarifying and filtering the cloudy juice. It is clearer and more transparent, with a sugar concentration between 68° and 75° Brix. It is the concentrated juice with the greatest industrial applications in food and beverage processing.

Main applications in the food industry

Apple juice concentrate is widely used in the production of multiple food products, such as other fruit drinks, dairy products, ice cream, jams, jellies, syrups and bakery products. Diverse are the applications of this juice. For example:

• Alternative to sugar. Apple concentrate, as well as concentrated white grape juice concentrate, is used as a sweetener in soft drinks, beverages, yogurts, desserts, snacks, etc. It is also used to replace fats in low-fat food products, as they are able to provide volume and improve the appearance and mouthfeel of food.
• To achieve the desired flavor. It can be used to increase the acidity or sweetness of foods, depending on the variety of apples.

• Flavoring and flavoring of cookies, muffins and other baked goods, beverages, jellies, dressings, sweet and sour sauces, confectionery, canned food, etc..
• Children’s food products. Apple juice concentrate, free of pesticides and heavy metals, is used both as a sweetener and to increase the nutritional value of compotes and porridges, fruits, yogurts and cereal bars for children.
• Fermentations of apple concentrate. Used for the elaboration of vinegar, kombucha, probiotic drinks, etc. 

Nutritional benefits of apple juice

Apple juice concentrate is rich in essential nutrients and has bioactive components that provide multiple health benefits. Mainly, it stands out for the following:

• Antioxidant properties. Due to its high content of polyphenols, apple juice concentrate can help prevent cell damage and various conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, etc.

• Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B and minerals, such as potassium, iron and magnesium. These nutrients are essential to regulate the functioning of the body and strengthen the immune system. In addition, vitamin C is an antioxidant that facilitates the regeneration of vitamin E and prevents various diseases.

• Source of energy. Apple juice concentrate contains natural sugars, (fructose, glucose and sucrose), which can provide quick vitality. These sugars are simple carbohydrates that the body converts quickly into energy.

Grape Juice Concentrate

It is a thick and sweet concentrate that preserves the natural properties of the grape. It is obtained from the processing of fresh and ripe fruit. First, the grapes are squeezed and pressed to obtain the free-run juice (first juice). Secondly, a process of evaporation and filtration of the non-concentrated juice is carried out to obtain the concentrated grape juice of 65 to 68° Brix. It is a versatile product that can be found on the market in various shades and concentrations:

• White concentrated grape juice. Light and bright yellow in color.

• Red concentrated grape juice. It has an intense fruity aroma and a dark cherry color.

• High color red concentrated grape juice (derived from the Garnacha Tintorera variety). It has a unique intense color, combining various cherry tones. It also has a powerful fruity aroma.

Main uses in the food industry

Grape juice concentrate is an ingredient that can provide sweetness, color, nutrients and preservative properties to various foods and beverages, such as confectionery, ice cream, bakery products, soft drinks, candies, etc. It is widely used to produce more attractive and healthier food products. Its main applications are the following:

• Natural sweetener. It has a high sweetening power, so it is used as a food sweetener in the manufacture of sports drinks, dietary supplements, juices, jams, cookies, fillings, energy bars, etc.

• Natural colorant. Red grape juice concentrate is a powerful natural colorant used in energy drinks, soft drinks, jams, jellies, ice cream, cookies and other confectionery products.

• Preservative. The natural sugars present in grape juice concentrate allow food and beverages to be preserved for a longer period of time. This is why it is used to extend the shelf life of jellies and jams of various fruits and vegetables, as well as juices and nectars.

• Enrichment of food products. Thanks to its nutritional profile, grape concentrate can be added to obtain functional foods, such as nutritional shakes, food supplements, yogurts, desserts, etc.

• Energy drinks. Grape juice concentrate provides the minerals, natural sugars, antioxidants and vitamins that enhance the benefits of sports and energy drinks.

• Baby food. Grape juice concentrate free of additives and allergens is a natural alternative to sweeten and increase the nutritional value of baby food and beverages, such as baby food, purees, juices and cereals.

Nutritional properties of grape juice concentrate

Concentrated white and red grape juices preserve the vitamins, minerals and natural sugars of the grape. Mainly:

• They are rich in vitamin C, E, A and K. They also contain essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium and manganese. Therefore, they contribute to the strengthening of the immune system.

• They are among the foods that contain the most antioxidants, mainly flavonoids and resveratrol. These substances protect cells from damage that can cause various diseases. For example, resveratrol present in grape juice has anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and protects the body from diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Natural sugars. Concentrated white or red grape juices contain fructose and glucose (without sucrose). These carbohydrates are sources of energy for the muscles, especially when the body undergoes physical training and performance enhancement is sought.

World trend in the consumption of apple and grape juice concentrates

The evolution of consumers’ dietary preferences has led to a significant increase in the demand for fruit juice concentrates. For example, growing consumer awareness of refined sugar has led to a demand for natural sugar sources, such as those obtained from grape and apple concentrates. In addition, they are constantly demanding more healthy, natural and functional food and beverage options.

On the other hand, consumers are becoming more aware of the high antioxidant content of grape juice, and how beneficial it is for protecting the body from chronic diseases. As a result, the grape juice concentrate market is growing.

JULIÁN SOLER: concentrated grape juice that connects to the world

We stand out for our exceptional capacity to distribute white and red grape juice concentrate to more than 60 countries on five continents. Our storage, freezing and refrigeration capacity allows us to supply our customers with high quality concentrated grape juice all year round.

We have designed a unique and meticulous process to maintain the grape’s natural sugars, acids and colorants to deliver a 100% authentic product. In addition, we are pioneers in the production of SO2 Free concentrated must, free of additives, preservatives and allergens.

We have our own R+D+i department and laboratory. This allows us to guarantee the quality and food safety of our products, as well as to put our know-how and technology at the service of food innovation.
Ask for a sample without obligation. We are your Global Grape Solution Supplier, anywhere in the world.