Ocean Spray Zero Sugar Cranberry Juice contains vague 'natural flavor' and 'vegetable concentrate (color)' along with synthetic additives like fumaric acid and sodium citrate. This DIY version uses pure organic cranberry concentrate with organic stevia and natural citric acid for a cleaner, more transparent ingredient list.
Based on: Zero Sugar Cranberry Juice
· Makes approximately 24 servings (240mL each)
· Serving: 240mL (8 fl oz)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Zero Sugar Cranberry Juice from Ocean Spray 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 Zero Sugar Cranberry Juice may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic cranberry juice concentrate
480mL (2 cups) · Lakewood Organic Pure Cranberry Concentrate
Provides the tart cranberry flavor and antioxidants without added sugars
Filtered water
5.28L (22 cups) · Filtered tap water or spring water
Dilutes the concentrate to drinking strength and provides hydration
Adds tartness, acts as natural preservative, and enhances cranberry flavor
Sea salt
1g (1/4 teaspoon) · Redmond Real Salt
Replaces sodium citrate, enhances flavor balance and provides natural minerals
Organic lemon juice
30mL (2 tablespoons) · Fresh organic lemons or Santa Cruz Organic Lemon Juice
Provides natural vitamin C and additional citric acid, brightens flavor
Instructions
Step 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 480mL (2 cups) of organic cranberry juice concentrate with 1.32L (5.5 cups) of filtered water. Whisk thoroughly for 2 minutes to ensure complete dilution. The concentrate is very potent, so proper mixing is essential to avoid overly tart pockets.
Step 2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve 4g (1 teaspoon) organic stevia extract powder in 60mL (1/4 cup) warm filtered water. Stir vigorously for 30 seconds until completely dissolved. Stevia can clump if added directly to cold liquid, so this pre-dissolution step ensures even sweetening throughout the batch.
Step 3. Add the dissolved stevia mixture to the cranberry base, followed by 6g (1.5 teaspoons) organic citric acid and 1g (1/4 teaspoon) sea salt. Whisk continuously for 3-4 minutes until all ingredients are fully incorporated and no grittiness remains. The citric acid provides the signature tart bite while the salt enhances overall flavor perception.
Step 4. Stir in 30mL (2 tablespoons) fresh organic lemon juice and the remaining 3.96L (16.5 cups) filtered water. Mix thoroughly for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding stevia solution 1/4 teaspoon at a time, or increase tartness with additional citric acid in 1/4 teaspoon increments.
Step 5. Pour the finished juice into clean glass bottles or jars, leaving 2.5cm (1 inch) headspace. Cap tightly and refrigerate immediately. The juice is ready to drink after 30 minutes of chilling, which allows flavors to meld properly. Shake gently before each use as natural separation may occur.
Storage
Store refrigerated in glass containers for up to 10 days. Shake gently before serving as natural separation is normal. Do not freeze as this can affect texture and flavor balance.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.56
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.75
Savings25%
Initial investment in organic ingredients is higher upfront, but subsequent batches cost only $0.52 per serving as you'll have most ingredients on hand. Bulk purchasing of stevia and citric acid provides excellent long-term value.