Sunny D Isn't Orange Juice—Here's What It Really Is

Vague food labels often hide something significant. This is why Oreo cookies use the term creme for their non-dairy filling, and why Dairy Queen refers to its low-butterfat desserts as

soft serve instead of ice cream. Sunny D follows the same pattern. Despite its orange color and juice-like texture, it doesn’t qualify as orange juice. So, what exactly is inside a bottle of Sunny D?

According to MEL Magazine, Sunny D is marketed as an “orange-flavored citrus punch.” A glance at its nutrition label reveals how far it strays from natural fruit juice. The primary ingredients are water and high fructose corn syrup, with fruit juices, citric acid, sweeteners, sodium, and colorings accounting for less than two percent of the mix. One particularly concerning ingredient is acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener banned in some countries due to its potential cancer risks.

While Sunny D isn’t a healthy choice, it’s no more harmful than other sugary snacks aimed at kids. However, unlike Yoo-Hoo or Coca-Cola, Sunny D’s advertising leans heavily on nutritional claims. The orange flavor, vibrant color, and images of oranges on the packaging create the illusion of real orange juice. Labels and commercials highlight its vitamin content, and even the name “Sunny D” implies a boost of vitamin D. While it does provide 100 percent of the daily recommended vitamin C, health experts caution that its high sugar content outweighs any nutritional benefits.

While Sunny D’s manufacturers don’t openly disclose it, the drink’s true composition is no mystery. Nutrition experts and orange juice industry professionals have criticized its misleading marketing for decades. In 2009, Sunny D attempted to launch a 70 percent fruit juice version in the UK, but sales plummeted, forcing a return to the original recipe. If you enjoy Sunny D for its sweet flavor, feel free to indulge. However, if you’re seeking genuine nutrition, ensure your beverage is labeled as orange juice.