

Therefore, the company claims, it's possible to make not only frozen cider concentrate, contrary to your assertion, but also "sludgy"-i.e., unfiltered, hence cloudy-apple juice. Thus true cider remains cider after processing because pasteurization doesn't affect the acid/sugar content. (Source: Washington State outfit that claims to be the country's largest maker of juice and cider.) Early-harvest apples supposedly have higher acid and lower sugar content, producing a drink with a tangier taste. The manufacturers call their product cider in the fall for marketing purposes." "(3) Cider is made from apples that are picked early. What you buy in the store, in contrast, is pasteurized soon after crushing, preventing fermentation and resulting in a pleasant but kickless taste.

Consequently, it ferments over time, giving it a mildly alcoholic kick. (Source: East Coast conglomerate also, the old edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica.) The product you buy from roadside stands usually has not been pasteurized. And juice won't morph into hard cider or vinegar over timethat requires some additional ingredients like yeast to transform pasteurized apple juice back into a perishable. Start your day with a glass of H-E-B Its Juice Apple Cider. And even upon opening, apple juice lasts longer in the fridge than cider. But see below." "(2) The store-bought stuff is juice, the homemade stuff is cider. Every 8 oz glass is equal to 2 fruit servings and has no sugar added (not a low calorie food). Massachusetts, the undisputed authority on all things.

Apple juice, on the other hand, is filtered and pasteurized, which gives it a longer shelf life, a sweeter taste, and a smoother texture. It's also considered a seasonal drink and can be hard to find outside of the autumn months. In other words, it is all marketing booshwa. Apple cider is fresh, unfiltered, and often unpasteurized. (Source: large midwestern bottler.) Uncle Sam confirms that there is no legal distinction. Here are few other explanations, from The Straight Dope: "(1) There is no difference at all. I tend to think that cider is simply unfiltered and spiced, whereas juice is just the juice. You may be wondering "If I'm basically just juicing apples, what's the difference between apple cider and apple juice?" Well, as it turns out, there's no widely agreed-upon distinction.
