Fruit juice is a healthy drink for toddlers

What the research found

Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics says fruit juice offers no nutritional benefit over whole fruit. Whole fruit also gives fibre and other nutrients. For children aged 1 to 6, it suggests no more than 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 ml) a day. It says 4 ounces with a meal may be a reasonable option.

A 2025 systematic review of 31 studies in toddlers aged 1 to 4 (mostly cohort studies, plus 2 randomised trials) found that sugars in liquid form, such as sugary drinks and fruit juice, were linked to more health risks later in life than sugars in solid food. A European paediatric nutrition position paper counts the sugar in unsweetened fruit juice as 'free sugar', which it says should be kept low.

Juice habits can build early. In a US trial group of 187 toddlers, those given juice before 6 months drank more at 24 months: 8.2 oz a day, compared with 5.3 oz. Both figures were above the recommended 4 oz. In another study of toddlers aged 2, 45% fell into a 'high juice, low fruit and vegetables' eating pattern.

What it doesn’t mean

• This doesn't mean a small glass of juice with a meal will harm your toddler. Guidance treats about 4 ounces a day as acceptable, and the concern is mainly about larger amounts and juice replacing whole fruit.
• Much of the research on toddlers is observational, so it shows links rather than proof that juice causes health problems. Several of the studies were also done in the US, not Australia.
• Guidance says not to give juice at bedtime, or to treat dehydration or diarrhoea. It also advises against juice for babies under 12 months. If you're unsure about your child's drinks or teeth, talk to your GP or child health nurse.