Pulp vs. No Pulp Juice: Which One Is Healthier?

Some people love pulp in their juice. Some can’t stand it at all. And some don’t care. But is there more to pulp than taste?

This article explores whether juice with pulp is actually healthier, or if that belief is more hype than truth.

While both types have their pros, the real answer depends on how the juice is made and what you’re looking for. There’s more to it than pulp. Let’s begin.

Pulp vs. No Pulp Juice Benefits

The health benefits of no-pulp juice are similar to those of pulp juice, except that pulp juice has more fiber and can, theoretically, be considered healthier. With more pulp in the mix, it may also have slightly more concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Since pulp adds fiber, it may help slow the absorption of sugar and reduce blood sugar spikes. However, both pulp and no-pulp juice contain natural sugars with a high glycemic index, which can still lead to a sharp rise in blood glucose, regardless of pulp content.

The actual health benefits of any juice largely depend on its ingredients. Fresh juices made from fruits and vegetables offer essential nutrients that, in turn, support bodily functions.  They’re also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenols, which help fight disease-causing free radicals and reduce chronic disease risk like heart disease and cancer.

That said, more pulp in the juice is generally a good thing because it brings more fiber, which is great for digestive health. And many people don’t get enough fiber from their diet. National surveys show that only about 5% of the American population gets the required amount of fiber daily. So, drinking pulp juice can be a good way to increase fiber intake, along with whole foods, of course. 

Pulp vs. No Pulp Juice Taste

There’s no significant difference in taste between juice with pulp and without. The difference is more pronounced in the texture, and that’s a personal preference. Some people like the tiny bits of fruit pulp in their juice, while others find them unpleasant.

I found that the opinion on whether pulp in juice is tasty or not is pretty divided, at least according to this Reddit thread. The user who started the thread gave his unpopular opinion: 

“I love drinking orange juice with pulp, the way nature intended. When you get fresh squeezed orange juice, that comes with pulp and what makes it taste like fresh squeezed orange juice vs the stuff from concentrate. I find it odd that people would intentionally avoid the pulp.”

On the other hand, the no-pulp supporters weren’t so subtle with their opinion: 

“No, thank you, I don't want to chew my juice.”

So, the  texture and how it influences the drinking experience is purely subjective. I personally prefer juice with pulp because of the texture and, of course, the extra fiber. 

It’s also worth noting that the taste of the juice depends heavily on how it is made. Cold-pressed juicers extract juice more gently and preserve all natural flavors and nutrients. This results in a noticeably fresher, cleaner taste compared to juice made with traditional centrifugal juicers.

Pulp vs. No Pulp Juice Calories

Juice with pulp may have slightly more calories than juice with no pulp, but that difference is negligible. What really determines the calorie count is the type of fruit or vegetable used and how much natural sugar it contains.

Fruit juices, with or without pulp, have higher calories than those made with veggies. That’s why adding greens or low-sugar veggies can help balance your juice and make it more weight-friendly. I always prefer to add some vegetables to make fresh juice even healthier. 

Also, store-bought juices, whether with or without pulp,  have added sugar, which increases the overall calorie content. So, I avoid those and would recommend the same to you. 

If you’re drinking juices for weight loss, no-pulp juice is better. That’s because it would have lower overall carbs than juice with pulp. Fiber is a carbohydrate, after all.

Who Shouldn’t Drink Pulp Juice?

Although pulp in juice makes it healthy, it may not be suitable in certain cases. People who are advised to avoid fiber or have difficulty digesting it should choose juices without pulp. Fiber intake should be intentionally kept low in specific circumstances where it could worsen the symptoms or interfere with the treatment. 

For example, in acute phases of gastrointestinal digestion problems, such as Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, or severe bouts of diarrhea, a low-residue or clear liquid diet is prescribed to minimize bowel stimulation and allow the digestive tract to rest and heal. That means little to no fibrous foods. 

Similarly, individuals recovering from certain types of gastrointestinal surgery (e.g., bowel resection) may be asked to follow a temporary low-fiber diet to prevent complications like blockages or excessive straining. In some cases of severe bowel strictures or narrowing, a low-fiber diet might become the norm. 

Additionally, some people with highly sensitive digestive systems or specific malabsorption issues may experience discomfort, bloating, or excessive gas, even with moderate fiber intake.

If you’ve recently had gastrointestinal surgery or a chronic digestive condition, I would recommend consulting your doctor before drinking juice with pulp or increasing your fiber intake.

Pulp vs. No Pulp Juice: Which Juicer to Pick?

The amount of pulp in your juice often depends on the type of juicer you use. Some models even let you adjust the pulp level, giving you full control over texture and fiber content.

Cold-press (or slow) juicers typically produce juice with some pulp which help preserve some nutritients and a small amount of fiber. In contrast, centrifugal juicers operate at high speeds and usually remove most of the pulp, resulting in a smoother, pulp-free drink.

As for Hurom Juicers, the Hurom H400 Easy Clean, H70, or the smaller H310 are excellent choices if you prefer juice with more pulp. These models produce nutrient-rich juice with a gentle texture and more fiber, while still being easy to clean.

And if you want to enjoy ultra-low pulp juice without compromising on taste or nutrition, check out the Hurom H320. It’s designed for smooth, clean juicing that fits your needs.

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A post shared by Inventor of the Slow Juicer (@huromamerica)

Both models are slow juicers, which means they operate without heat or oxidation. This helps retain essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.

Final Verdict

Juice with pulp does offer more fiber that gives it a small nutritional edge. But whether you go pulpy or smooth, both types deliver a powerful dose of vitamins and antioxidants, especially when made in a quality cold-press juicer.

It really comes down to your personal preferences and your overall fiber intake. If you're already getting enough from whole grains, veggies, and legumes, you don’t need it in your juice. But having it there definitely helps.

At Hurom, we design every juicer with slow-squeezing technology that preserves nutrients, flavor, and freshness, so you get the most out of every glass.

Explore all Hurom juicers to find the one that fits your routine, your flavor, and your style.

FAQs

What is pulp in juice?

The pulp in juice refers to the fibrous content from fruits or vegetables that remains after juicing. It includes bits of skin and flesh that add texture and contain nutrients like vitamin C and dietary fibre.

Is pulp in orange juice good for you?

Yes, the pulp in orange juice is good for you because it contains dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which support digestion and immune health. It can also give the juice a heavier texture, which some people prefer.

Is juicing healthy without the pulp?

Juicing without the pulp is relatively less healthy because of the lack of fiber, which is essential for digestive health and blood sugar regulation. However, juices without pulp can contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, especially those made with a quality cold-press juicer. 

What to do with leftover pulp?

You can use leftover pulp in soups, smoothies, baked goods, or compost. It adds fiber and nutrients to recipes and reduces food waste. Check out 17 ways to reuse pulp after juicing.

Pulp vs no pulp juice for constipation: which is better?

The main difference between pulp and no pulp juice for constipation is fiber. Pulp juice is better because it contains fiber that helps promote bowel movements. That said, too much fiber can worsen constipation, according to Healthline. 

If your fiber intake is low or moderate, you can drink juice with pulp for constipation. It’s also important to hydrate and drink more water when you’re constipated, so taking fruits and veggies in the form of juice may be helpful.

Is fiber lost during juicing?

Yes, fiber is lost during juicing because most juicers separate the liquid from the fibrous pulp, removing most of the insoluble fiber. However, soluble fiber may still make it into the juice, especially if it’s made with a juicer that retains some pulp. 

Which juices contain pulp?

Fruit juices, such as orange, grapefruit, and apple juice, can contain pulp. Similarly, vegetable juices made from fibrous vegetables, such as leafy greens, can also contain more pulp. Berry juices, such as cranberry juice or blackcurrant juice, typically have very low pulp content.