Ask a nutritionist: How do I pick a juice box?

For many kids, juice is a lunch or snack staple, and for others it's a special treat.  No matter what the situation is in in your house, it's important to consider three things when selecting a juice box for your kids.

1. Portion Size: Generally, less is more when it comes to juice. Children ages 1-6 years should consume no more than 6 ounces of 100 percent fruit juice per day, while children 7-18 years should be limited to 8-12 ounces, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Select the product with the smallest serving size to limit excess calories.

2. Ingredients: To get some nutrition from the beverage, the first ingredient listed should always be fruit juice, not concentrate, water, or sugar.  Products with added sugar and other sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup listed in the ingredients should be avoided.  Fruit juices that claim to be "light" may have water listed first, but many have sugar or an artificial sweetener with very little actual fruit juice.

3. Vitamin C: The higher the Vitamin C percentage, the more likely your child will see a nutrition benefit from the product.

Fruit juice does not replace the need for fruit in a child's diet as the beverages lack the fiber and satiety that fruit can provide.  Drinking sweetened beverages increase the risk of obesity and tooth decay in children.  Always offer water as the child's primary beverage, and encourage low-fat milk instead of juice.

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