Tropicana vs Simply Orange Comparison

Both are "not from concentrate" orange juices owned by PepsiCo and Coca-Cola respectively. Despite "100% juice" labeling, both undergo extensive industrial processing including pasteurization, deaeration (oxygen removal), and flavor pack re-addition to maintain consistent taste year-round.

Beverages

Quick Answer

No meaningful processing difference. Both are Level 2 with identical industrial juice processing. The "not from concentrate" label does not mean minimally processed -- both remove and re-add flavor compounds. Squeezing fresh oranges (Level 1) is the only simpler option.

Tropicana vs Simply Orange

Tropicana

Search our database for specific tropicana products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.

Search Tropicana products →

Simply Orange

Search our database for specific simply orange products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.

Search Simply Orange products →

Our Verdict

No meaningful processing difference. Both are Level 2 with identical industrial juice processing. The "not from concentrate" label does not mean minimally processed -- both remove and re-add flavor compounds. Squeezing fresh oranges (Level 1) is the only simpler option.

Important Note

Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tropicana and Simply Orange really "fresh squeezed"?

No. Both are pasteurized, deaerated (oxygen removed for storage), stored in large tanks, and have proprietary "flavor packs" added back before packaging. This is standard industrial juice processing, not fresh squeezing. The resulting product can sit in tanks for up to a year before being packaged.

What does "not from concentrate" actually mean?

It means the juice was not evaporated into a concentrate and then reconstituted with water. However, "not from concentrate" juice still undergoes heavy industrial processing including pasteurization, deaeration, bulk storage, and flavor pack re-addition. It is not the same as fresh-squeezed juice.

Related Food Guides

Learn more about the individual foods in this comparison.