This commercial apple juice contains conventional (likely pesticide-treated) apple concentrate and synthetic vitamin C. While it's naturally seed oil free, the DIY organic version eliminates pesticide residues and uses clean, whole-food vitamin C for superior nutrition and taste.
Based on: Apple 100% Juice
· Makes approximately 16 servings (1 gallon)
· Serving: 8 fl oz (240ml)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Apple 100% Juice from Great Value often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Apple 100% Juice may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic apple juice concentrate
320ml (about 1.25 cups) · Lakewood Organic Pure Apple Juice Concentrate
Provides the concentrated apple flavor and natural sugars when reconstituted with water
Filtered water
3520ml (about 15 cups) · Reverse osmosis or carbon-filtered tap water
Dilutes the concentrate to proper juice strength while maintaining purity
Organic ascorbic acid powder
1.6g (about 1/2 teaspoon) · NOW Foods Organic Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid Powder
Provides vitamin C content matching the commercial version and acts as a natural preservative
Instructions
Step 1. Measure 320ml (1.25 cups) of organic apple juice concentrate into a large glass pitcher or container. Concentrate is very thick and sweet, so pour slowly and scrape the container clean to get every drop of this expensive ingredient.
Step 2. Add 3520ml (15 cups) of filtered water to the concentrate. The ratio is approximately 1 part concentrate to 11 parts water, which creates the standard juice strength. Start with 3 cups of water and whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes to fully incorporate the concentrate before adding the remaining water.
Step 3. Measure 1.6g (about 1/2 teaspoon) of organic ascorbic acid powder. This provides 90mg of vitamin C per 8oz serving, matching the commercial version. Add the powder to a small cup with 2 tablespoons of the diluted juice and whisk until completely dissolved - ascorbic acid can clump if added directly.
Step 4. Pour the dissolved ascorbic acid mixture into the pitcher with the diluted juice. Stir thoroughly for 1-2 minutes to ensure even distribution. The juice should have a bright, clean apple flavor without any vitamin C tartness if properly mixed.
Step 5. Taste and adjust if needed. If too concentrated, add water 1/4 cup at a time. If too weak, add concentrate 1-2 tablespoons at a time. The finished juice should taste like fresh apple juice with 110 calories per 8oz serving.
Step 6. Transfer to glass storage containers - mason jars work well for portion control. Refrigerate immediately. Serve chilled. Shake gently before each use as natural settling may occur without commercial stabilizers.
Storage
Store in refrigerator for up to 7-10 days in glass containers. Without preservatives, consume within 1 week of mixing. Shake before serving as separation is natural.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.40
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.33
Savings-21%
The organic DIY version costs more per serving but eliminates pesticide exposure and provides superior nutrition. Bulk concentrate purchases reduce the per-serving premium significantly over time.