Back to ArenaCAKEID.VERSUS
Juice Cocktail vs 100% Cranberry Juice: Quick Label Read
Brutal Head-to-Head

Juice Cocktail vs 100% Cranberry Juice: Quick Label Read

Juice Cocktail vs 100% Cranberry Juice is a fast pick for busy shoppers. Juice Cocktail and 100% Cranberry Juice show two different ingredient lists and nutrition profiles. Here’s a quick label-based read on what to know before you grab one.

The Quick Verdict
"Juice Cocktail is the lighter option per serving at 52.32 kcal. 100% Cranberry Juice runs higher at 94.5 kcal per serving and 21.7 g sugars."
Juice Cocktail (43%)100% Cranberry Juice (57%)

Based on AI sentiment analysis

B
Contender A
Juice Cocktail

Juice Cocktail

Best For
Best for shoppers who want lower calories and a milder sweetness with simple ingredients.
Health Watch
Contains added sugar.
Watch out for:
See Deal

Chef's Hacks

  • Chill and sip for a tropical-flavored refresher.
  • Dilute with sparkling water for a lighter punch.
  • Blend with ice and yogurt for a quick smoothie.

Did You Know?

"Fun fact: Juice Cocktail uses fruit juices from concentrate to achieve its tropical blend."

The Showdown

Pros & Cons

Juice Cocktail

  • Lower calories per serving
  • Simple flavor with tropical blend
  • Zero fat and zero protein per serving
  • Contains sugar in ingredients
  • Tends to be sweeter due to concentrate blend
  • Includes natural flavors

100% Cranberry Juice

  • Cranberry-forward taste with other fruit blends
  • No added sugar listed in ingredients
  • Contains pectin and vitamin C
  • Higher sugar per serving
  • More calories per serving
  • Uses multiple concentrate sources

Flavor Profile

Flavor & Texture

Juice Cocktail delivers a tropical mix of pineapple, orange and guava with a light, fruity sweetness and mild acidity. It tends to be thinner in body, since it’s a blend of juices from concentrate with water. 100% Cranberry Juice leans tart and cranberry-dominant, rounded with grape, apple and pear notes from concentrates; the mouthfeel is similarly light to medium but with a stronger fruity tang. Overall, A feels sweeter and brighter, while B tastes crisper and more cranberry-forward.

Ingredient Quality

Juice Cocktail lists water, fruit juices from concentrate, sugar, natural flavors, citric acid, pectin, ascorbic acid and beta carotene for color. That means added sugar and flavors, plus color from beta carotene. 100% Cranberry Juice blends cranberry, grape, apple and pear juices from concentrates with natural flavor, pectin and ascorbic acid. It reads more like a straightforward fruit juice mix with less added sweetness. In short, A relies on added sugar; B relies on fruit blends with a cleaner label for sweetness.

Nutritional Value

Per serving, Juice Cocktail provides about 52.32 kcal, 13.08 g carbs and 11.81 g sugars, with 0 fat and 0 protein. 100% Cranberry Juice provides about 94.5 kcal, 27.4 g carbs and 21.7 g sugars, also with 0 fat and 0 protein. Both are light on fat and protein, but B delivers roughly double the calories and sugars per serving, while A stays calmer on both fronts. Sodium is negligible for both.

Value Verdict

For a busy shopper, Juice Cocktail offers a lighter, tropical-style option with fewer calories per serving and less sugar than the cranberry blend. If you’re chasing a cranberry-forward profile and don’t mind a higher sugar load, 100% Cranberry Juice delivers more intensity and a fuller fruit mix. If you’re counting calories or sugar, A is the better fit; if you want a tart, cranberry-forward taste, B is the pick. Both read as straightforward fruit juices with clear ingredient lists.

A Better Alternative?

100% Orange Juice (no added sugar) — a simple, single-ingredient option for comparison.

If both A and B are disappointing, our experts recommend this healthier swap.

Make it a Meal

Try pairing the winner with Pairing

"Pairs well with yogurt bowls or light breakfasts to balance tartness."

Buy Pairing

Final Conclusion

When you’re deciding in a hurry, the base numbers help: Juice Cocktail is the lighter option per serving with fewer calories and less sugar, albeit with added sugar and flavors. 100% Cranberry Juice brings a stronger cranberry profile and more calories per serving, along with a blend of fruit juices that can feel heartier on the palate. Your choice boils down to whether you want a milder, tropical vibe with a hint of sweetness or a bolder, cranberry-forward taste with more fruit complexity. Both are easy, drinkable options for different moments in the day.

Share the Verdict

Help your friends eat smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is lower in calories per serving?

Juice Cocktail has about 52.32 kcal per serving, while 100% Cranberry Juice has about 94.5 kcal per serving.

Which has more sugar per serving?

100% Cranberry Juice has about 21.7 g sugars per serving, compared with 11.81 g for Juice Cocktail.

Are there added sugars in these drinks?

Juice Cocktail lists sugar in its ingredients, while 100% Cranberry Juice does not list added sugar.

Which is better for recipes or mixing?

If you want a lighter, tropical note with less sweetness, start with Juice Cocktail; for a cranberry-forward base that stands out in mocktails, 100% Cranberry Juice works well.

A
Contender B
100% Cranberry Juice

100% Cranberry Juice

Best For
Best for fans of cranberry flavor and a mix of fruit juices.
Health Watch
Made with juice blends from concentrates.
Watch out for:
See Deal

Chef's Hacks

  • Mix with sparkling water for a cranberry spritzer.
  • Use as a base for mocktails with club soda and lime.
  • Stir into plain yogurt for a fruity breakfast bowl.

Did You Know?

"Fun fact: 100% Cranberry Juice blends several fruit juices with natural flavor to balance cranberry tartness."