I'm not really a breakfast eater and usually rely on coffee and nicotine to give me a kick-start first thing in the morning. I am aware this is not a healthy option , as I'm usually left feeling quite groggy and lacking in energy in the run up to lunch time. I have been trying to find some healthy breakfast alternatives to give me an energy boost in the morning, that will not be too heavy on my stomach, as I cannot face food first thing.
One of the things I thought I would try is Sainsburys Pure Pink Grapefruit Juice
This juice is made from concentrate, which means all the sugars are natural coming from the fruit itself. Grapefruits are high in vitamin C and provide a natural energy boost. One 200ml glass of this grapefruit juice also provides you with 1 portion of the recommended 5 fruit & veg portions a day.
Cost and Availability
The juice costs £1.05 for a 1 litre carton. It can be purchased from your local Sainsburys store or online at www.sainsburys.co.uk At first I thought this was a bit pricey, especially for a shops own version. After checking with other supermarkets I have found it to be quite reasonable. Tesco's currently charge £1.14 for their own version of the juice.
Packaging
The juice comes in a tall cardboard carton (similar to a milk carton). The bottom third of the carton is bright pink with the product name in white writing "Sainsburys Pure Pink Grapefruit Juice". On the front of the carton, taking up the remaining two thirds is a picture of halved juicy pink grapefruit looking very appealing. One thing I like about Sainsburys products is that on the packaging they include the nutritional information in a green circle on the front of the product. I find this very handy, as if you are watching your intake, its easy to notice this information whilst browsing through the products in store, instead of having to look at the small print usually on the back of the product.
Nutritional Info taken from packaging as below
A 200ml glass provides Fat 0.1g Sat Fat 0.1g Salt 0.1g Sugars (Naturally occurring sugars) 19.4g 88 Calories One portion of your 5 a day
The Test
The juice is best served chilled, and needs shaking well before use. After shaking the carton for about 30 seconds (I have no idea how long you're supposed to shake it for) I found opening the plastic white screw top a little tricky, and it took a few attempts. The screw top screws on to a plastic spout, which does make the juice a lot easier to pour. Whilst pouring I noticed it was slightly frothy, probably due to the good shaking I gave it. It's a lot more orangey in colour than I expected, in the glass the juice is peach in colour and rather dense looking. There is no overpowering smell, but from hovering my nose closely over the glass I picked out the smell of grapefruit pulp.
Upon my first sip I was pleased I wasn't left having to chew through a mouthful of pulp. There are bits in the juice but it's not as heavy as I expected. Sipping the juice it's not overpowering with taste, however, it's the bitter after kick that hits me quite hard on the back of my throat. I'm not really a fan of grapefruit, I believe its an acquired taste, rather like Marmite - you either love it or hate. The bitterness does linger for about 15 minutes after, and I found myself running for a glass of water shortly after to cleanse my taste buds. I don't know why I'm surprised and thought I might like the juice version, as it is basically just pink grapefruit in liquid form with no sweeteners.
Once the carton has been opened it needs to be kept refrigerated and consumed within 4 days. Left unopened the juice has quite a long shelf life, I purchased the juice today (26 April) and it will keep until August 2006. I don't think I'm going to get through the juice in 4 days, it looks like I'm going to have to hand it out to innocent unsuspecting guests.
The Verdict
The juice is of very good quality, and is ideal if you like grapefruit and are trying to get your 5 daily portions of fruit and veg. Being a juice it makes it easy, and not too filling. For myself, as I don't like the bitter taste of grapefruit and I did feel like my taste buds were just been assaulted, I would have to give the juice a miss.
I'm still on the hunt for something healthy that also tastes nice.
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