When it comes to orange juice, a beverage that claims to have only one ingredient, the quality can vary widely. Factors that affect the taste of the juice include the freshness and quality of the oranges, the juicing technique, and how the juice is then preserved. In the spirit of unearthing the finest OJ, eight highly recognizable juice brands were sampled in a blind testing.

We cringed at the thought of sorting through the intricate pulp or no pulp question while planning this evaluation. Choosing no pulp allowed us to dedicate our attention to the flavor profile of each juice without being sidetracked by the pulp consistency, which differs from brand to brand. Our prerequisites were simple – we only reviewed those that listed oranges (or orange juice) as the sole ingredient on the label, thus eliminating offer that included additional vitamins, like calcium hydroxide or vitamin D.

Additionally, we limited our selection to pasteurized juices, a procedure that destroys detrimental bacteria and enhances longevity, making the drink safer for consumption. For this reason, we ruled out most freshly squeezed options and those created the same week or directly on site. Another necessity was nationwide availability of the brands.

A blind tasting was executed by a six-member team of Food & Wine editors. Unknown to the tasters, each juice was served in a plastic cup. All editors assessed and marked the juices on flavor and consistency. The evaluators judged how "orangey" each was, how it balanced acidity and sweetness, and overall mouthfeel-eyeing a blend that strayed neither too watery nor too thick. Each sample was accorded a rating based on the participant's overall satisfaction with the juice.

The important factor like price or the name of the brand did not influence our score. We totaled and derived an average score to set on our top four brands. The findings are as follows:

Few were familiar with Uncle Matt's Organic, though it is accessible nationwide. However, it impressed our panel and was crowned the winner. The juice had a distinct sweetness that reminded us of the freshest oranges from Florida. Uncle Matt's attributes this taste to their organic Valencia and Hamlin oranges combined with their flash pasteurization process that leverages high temperatures for a brief period to retain flavor. Priced less than other organic brands, Uncle Matt’s becomes a simple go-to for a refreshing morning drink, cocktails, or even a Creamsicle-inspired float when poured over vanilla ice cream.

The Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company brand asserts “freshly squeezed” and for good reason. Small weekly batches are squeezed from Florida oranges, landing a juice that tastes like homemade. Natalie's juice struck a balance between sweet and tangy, perfect for those who dabble between pulp and no pulp.

Evolution Fresh's cold-pressed juice yields a lighter mouthfeel, courtesy of its high-pressure chilled processing. Our panel appreciated its brightness, subtle acidity, and sheer drinkability, perfect for quenching thirst after a sunny day.

Tropicana steals the spotlight from the more prominent brands when considering budget-friendly juices. There's a hint of the distinct acidity and somewhat powdery texture that low-cost juices are known for, but it delivers a satisfying punch of fresh orange flavor and is a consistent source of Vitamin C for breakfast.