5 Benefits of Infused Water Versus Juice
Are there any benefits of infusing fruits instead of simply squeezing them into water? Yes! In this post we use half an orange in each type of preparation for comparison.
1) Flavor. You would assume these two drinks would taste the same, but the difference is drastic. The infused water derives flavor from the rind and tastes bright and tangy, even after infusing for just 15 minutes. The juice, on the other hand, tastes watered down and plain.
2) Appearance. Let’s face it, the infused water is prettier than the juice, which is important because you eat and drink with your eyes. If a beverage looks colorful and healthy, you will be more inclined to drink it, which will help to keep you hydrated.
3) Calories. While fresh juice is nutritious, it is also packed with calories and natural sugars. Infused waters has far less calories because the fruit remains intact and you do not actually eat it. Also, less fruit is required make an infused water than to make a glass of fresh juice or a smoothie.
For instance, did you know that a standard glass of fresh squeezed orange juice contains the juice of 4 oranges or over 240 calories? On the other hand, three orange slices in an infused water only contributes 31 calories (but likely even less than that).
4) Preparation. I used to drink juice every day using a Green Star Juicer, but I stopped because it took too long to clean and I could not keep enough fresh produce around. With infused waters, I just look at what is in my fridge and improvise. A simple Lemon Infused Water takes seconds to make and can add immense flavor to your day.
5) Hydration. Staying hydrated is essential to staying healthy, and infused waters make staying hydrated easy. While fresh juice does provide hydration, it is a one time drink whereas you can drink a batch of infused water all day long, especially if you make a large pitcher.
BUT…….
Is it okay to squeeze juice into your infused waters? Of course! I often squeeze the remnants of citrus rind that I have cut off, such as in the picture below. It does not make sense to waste fruit, plus a little squirt of juice does add flavor.
So, in summary, don’t fear fruit juice, but do use it in moderation if you are going to use it at all in infused waters. Cheers!
Kerri April 14, 2015 at 4:35 pm
I just started making fruit infused water and am so happy I found your website. I work outside in South Carolina so keeping hydrated as it heats up is a must. I can’t wait to stock up on some fruit and try some of your recipes! They all sound amazing!
Fabian April 20, 2015 at 5:19 pm
hi there, I am from sunny Singapore and chanced upon your website while i was “googling” for more information bout infused water. I started months ago every morning with half squeezed lemon juice diluted with warm water and a teaspoon of ginger powder. then i read about making your own alkaline water with infused lemon water and a teaspoon of himalayan pink salt to “mineralize” it. i even threw in cucumbers as well for good measure. is there a better among the two – squeezed lemon juice warm vs infused cold? or i should drink myself silly with both combi? lol.
kerri May 5, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Fabian, thx for the information. I am new to infused water as well as I’m trying to break my addiction to coffee! 🙂 I did not know you could buy ginger powder nor that you could make your own alkaline water by simply adding himalayan pink salt. Alkaline converting machines are expensive so thx for the extra bit of info!
Skye May 24, 2015 at 9:49 am
Powdered ginger has been around for hundreds of years. Same with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice…
Jacquelyn Stone May 28, 2015 at 2:14 pm
I’ve been trying infused water the last few days but it mostly tastes like plain tap water, which I can’t stand. Any tips, like water to fruit ratios?
Bianca May 29, 2015 at 4:05 pm
Definitely more fruit then and sliced thinner, I’d guess. Also a little maple syrup won’t hurt.
Justyce June 4, 2015 at 4:30 pm
I would recomend using more fruit and letting the fruit infuse the water for longer. Hope this helps! If you want more juice, microwave the fruit for 15-20 seconds to produce more juice.
Dottie June 4, 2015 at 1:36 pm
I agree, 1-2 thin slices adds a subtle taste, though visibly attractive. I usually fill near to top of the the glass/jar/container loosely w thicker chunks or to 1/2 way mark with thinner chunks/slices an let sit for at least an hour. the flavor is quite mild, but if ice cold is very refreshing. Mint sprigs to nearly any of the concoctions livens it up immensely.
Denise June 22, 2015 at 12:41 pm
I appreciate all the helpful information about the ingredients you use and their respective health benefits. But I’m just wondering if you actually get the health benefits from them, since you’re not actually consuming it, but rather only a small amount of the juice or whatever?
Stephen June 30, 2015 at 6:08 am
I have been experimenting in work for about a month, I am using sparkling water in 2 ltr bottles. I cut slices of Lemon, Lime, Kiwi and peel root ginger and put in in cubes. I prepare 3 bottles at a time and leave them in the fridge and drink one full one a day. i was once almost 10 cups of coffee a day, now I have one in the morning before work and infused water only all day.
I have to say i feel and look healthier. I do have a question thou, is the sparkling water any worse for you and how long would you be able to leave a prepared bottle before drinking.
Thanks
rose July 6, 2015 at 11:11 pm
hi. try vegetable fusion,too. 2 slices of lemon, 3 slices of ginger, 3 leaves of ashitaba, and 2 slices of cucumber. mixed in 2 liters of water….refreshing and good energizer than coffee.
kkgoh August 21, 2015 at 1:02 am
Is it okay to leave lemon infused in water for a week?
Jessica Jackson September 5, 2015 at 11:43 pm
New at infusing how many days can I readd water to the fruits in my jug (16-20oz) before I throw them away?
Kerilynn September 12, 2015 at 1:20 pm
I LOVE INFUSED WATERS MY HUSBAND SAYS MY VAGINA SMELLS & TASTES GREAT EVER SINCE I STARTED DRINKING THEM
Luana September 25, 2015 at 6:53 pm
Wow!… Just wow!… I’m DEFINITELY going to infuse the hell out of all the water I can find now! Thanks for the info, even if it did make me chuckle just a tad! :-p
tim January 9, 2016 at 1:27 pm
I WOULD LIKE A SMELL,,, DOES HE SHARE? ?
her husband April 6, 2016 at 11:40 am
I did NOT say that. I don’t lie.
Kim July 15, 2016 at 7:55 am
You are nasty for that comment keep your personal nasty self to yourself we dont ask you for that!!!!!
Is it me,or is it akward? November 16, 2016 at 5:17 pm
…
lmfao March 13, 2017 at 7:58 pm
Oh my. Thank you for this information, though! I’m glad your vagina “smells great”! 🙂
J. August 14, 2018 at 11:17 am
isnt’ this a bit personal, this is about health ..
Kel October 19, 2015 at 4:19 pm
Over 240 cal? this is not true for orange juice. The 240 cal you mentioned includes fibre!!!
Amy Pogue October 19, 2015 at 5:05 pm
Hi, Kel. Oranges contain about 40 calories a piece, so if you are squeezing the juice from the orange, you will be consuming 40 calories. There are about 4 oranges in glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, so those calories add up pretty quickly, as well as natural sugars. Fiber, unfortunately, does not detract calories nor is it included in many commercial juices.
janis November 17, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Four oranges at 40 calories each would be 160 calories. If you added sugar, calories go up. Of course, the size of the orange also makes a difference in the number of calories per fruit.
SilverKameo April 6, 2016 at 8:38 am
The problem with fruit juices is actually that the fiber is broken down to be able to turn it into juice since that is what keeps it solid. So when you drink juice it is mostly sugar you’re drinking. It’s ok every once in a while but drinking it too ofter is just like drinking soda.
Brooke February 14, 2016 at 6:11 pm
I like to put limes in my water bottle overnight, and since doing this I have noticed I have more energy. I carry my water with me through the school day sipping on it occasionally. The natural sugar wakes me up and helps me focus. Also, the constant hydration keeps me from feeling hungry in second period.
SameerAli March 23, 2016 at 12:14 am
my favrit infused water recipe
sorry to say that it may not be belongs to infused water category becasue im adding sugar and salt, and moreover u can drink this within evenafter 15 minutess whereas infused water need hours to set
*********
half lemon
1 litter water
half tbsp sugar
half tbsp salt
*****
take half cut lemon, squeeze it a little into 1 ltr water. u need to squeeze only a little so that u can make lemon inside out and keep in water.
then add sugar and salt. tighten the lid. shake well.
im preparing this when im going to morning run
the taste is JUST AWESOME
Kin Hip April 10, 2016 at 10:31 am
Lemon with it’s alkaline effect is the best
Abdul Majeed Siddiqui June 1, 2016 at 5:56 am
Interesting title of article Love to read all that I’m happy to found that good solution for health as orange juice because orange is my favourite fruit so I can get more get more benefits from that which will be helpful for me. Thanks for sharing it with us
MOHAN BHUPAL September 7, 2016 at 4:28 am
please try Jeera infused water from India , Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Cumin seeds infused water is good for digestion.
regards
mohan bhupal
J. August 14, 2018 at 11:18 am
Thanks, I’m going to try this..
Brittany November 3, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Hello,
I am wondering if i can use my dried herbs in my water, or is fresh the way to go?
H December 8, 2017 at 3:59 am
Are you ppl so afraid of calories ????? While fruit infused water is good , fruit juice without any additives is any day far far better. and these benefits while miniscule compared to juice fade away very fast as the fruit starts getting waterlogged, it goes bad and some foolish ppl may just be drinking more germs / fungus rather than having fresh juice or fresh fruit.
ramakrishnan September 20, 2018 at 10:14 pm
It is very beneficial to drink detox water than normal water. It helps for weight loss. Thanks for sharing this information.
Jim March 5, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Amy,
I have infused dried fruit for years. The calories are a bit more than fresh fruit, but I also use the water for baking instead of sugar, and will then simmer the used fruit down to a compote and add spices. It is far better than store bought jam.
leeq June 4, 2019 at 7:28 pm
I love infused water and I always see to it to have a supply of hydrated fruits and veggies in the fridge. Watermelon is my favorite as it is 92% water, thus it will keep you hydrated and it is very helpful in washing out body toxins and waste.
Maurice October 13, 2019 at 2:18 am
You have learned that freshly squeezed juice has more nutrient value than bottled and how to identify pure fruit juice versus juice that is highly processed. In addition, you can weigh the benefits of eating the whole food with the juice form of produce.
Almudena Gil Vicente June 4, 2020 at 8:26 pm
The only real way of detoxifying the organism is through your kidneys, that make that work every day since you are born I am a doctor and can tell you that, though infused water may be a good way to quit drinking soda, please do not exaggerate its properties. It’s just water with some taste from fruit. Usually you won’t find any vitamins on it, at least not in enough quantity.
Nasami August 10, 2024 at 1:52 am
Thank for share!