Readers of our Search magazine will have recently read about the environmental impact of the choices we make at the supermarket – with orange juice used as a rather eye-opening example.
In this follow-up to the article published in Search, written by our Environmental Officer, John Biggart, we take a closer look at three different juices from COOP, comparing how they’re made, where they come from, and what that means for the planet – and for your wallet. It’s all part of understanding what’s really in your trolley.
Ever wondered what’s really in your morning glass of orange juice? I looked at three products from a major Swiss supermarket and found notable differences in sourcing, processing, and environmental impact.
Not all juices are created equal. They may be ‘from concentrate’ (OJFC) or ‘not from concentrate’ (NFC), and these differ in both ecological impact and nutritional value. OJFC is generally the most affordable and has a moderate carbon footprint, thanks to efficient shipping. However, it may contain additives such as vitamin C and traces of pesticides. By contrast, organic NFC juices are additive-free and likely taste better, but they can be up to 87% more expensive. So which is better—and how do we decide?
This article takes orange juice sold by COOP as an example.
As mentioned, there are two main production methods: fresh orange juice (NFC) and juice from concentrate (OJFC). NFC juice is made by pressing oranges shortly after harvest. It is then chilled—or sometimes frozen—for shipping, particularly over long distances or for off-season sale. OJFC juice, by contrast, is reduced to around one-sixth of its original volume using heat and vacuum technology. The concentrate is frozen, shipped, and later reconstituted at its destination, often with the addition of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and flavourings.
COOP’s website lists 37 different orange juice products, categorised as ‘Fresh orange juice’ and ‘Orange juice’. However, these terms relate only to whether the product is chilled at the point of sale—they do not indicate whether the juice is NFC or OJFC.
This article compares three of the 37 orange juices: two NFC and one OJFC:
- Andros, 1 litre, NFC, pasteurised – Andros is a French-based global brand. While the exact origin of the oranges is not disclosed, they are likely sourced from Southern Europe and Brazil.
- COOP Naturaplan Bio, 750ml, pasteurised – The oranges are sourced from Mexico and Cuba.
- COOP Prix Garantie, 1 litre, OJFC, pasteurised – The oranges come from Brazil.
In 2022, COOP introduced ECO-SCORE labelling for all its own-brand products. These scores, provided by the Swiss company Beelong, are based on a detailed life-cycle assessment, which considers greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water use, soil impact, biodiversity, and animal welfare. Scores range from A+ (low impact) to E- (high impact). A similar system is used by Open Food Facts, a not-for-profit, crowd-sourced global database.
COOP lists additives on product labels and its website. These can be checked against Open Food Facts for additional detail.
The table below compares the three juices in terms of price, additives, and ECO-SCORE.
The comparison shows that Prix Garantie is the cheapest and has a relatively good environmental score, mainly because it is OJFC and therefore more efficient to ship. Although COOP lists no additives, Open Food Facts notes that vitamin C is added.
Naturaplan has a slightly better ECO-SCORE than Andros, and neither contain additives. It is also 3% cheaper than Andros. The real decision, then, is between Prix Garantie and Naturaplan. While their environmental scores are similar, Prix Garantie includes a vitamin C additive and may contain trace pesticides—commonly used in Brazil—though the final product must meet Swiss safety standards.
Naturaplan is both additive- and pesticide-free and probably tastes more like fresh orange juice. However, it’s 87% more expensive. If you choose Naturaplan for its flavour and organic credentials, you might reduce its environmental impact by simply drinking less. That may be wise anyway—orange juice is high in sugar and, despite being a source of vitamin C, doesn’t score well nutritionally overall.
This closer look at orange juice is a reminder that everyday choices – even what we pour into a glass at breakfast – can have a real environmental impact. From production methods and additives to shipping distances and ecolabels, there’s more behind the label than meets the eye. Whether it’s cutting food waste, choosing organic, or simply consuming less, the steps we take can help lighten our carbon footprint – one trolley at a time.