Minute Maid frozen juice concentrates won’t be made anymore

Minute Maid, a household name in the world of orange juice, has made the decision to discontinue sales of its frozen juice concentrates in the U.S. and Canada. This move comes as the brand’s parent company, The Coca-Cola Co., aims to shift its focus towards the fresh juices that consumers now prefer.

The decision to phase out Minute Maid’s frozen juices, including orange juice, lemonade, and limeade varieties, by April has been met with mixed reactions. For decades, Minute Maid’s frozen juice concentrates have been a convenient option for Americans looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy their favorite citrus beverages. The process of mixing the concentrated juice with water to create a refreshing drink has been a morning ritual for many households.

The history of Minute Maid dates back to 1946 when Vacuum Foods Corp. became the first U.S. company to ship frozen orange juice across the country. The product was named Minute Maid, and eventually, the company itself adopted the iconic name. Rival brand Tropicana, which still offers frozen canned juices, was founded the following year in 1947.

Coca-Cola acquired Minute Maid in 1960, and over the years, the brand introduced innovations such as ready-to-drink orange juice, lemonade, and fruit punch. These products were a hit with consumers looking for convenient and delicious beverage options.

In recent years, however, the orange juice market has faced challenges from alternative beverages like energy drinks and protein smoothies. Additionally, fluctuating prices due to poor weather conditions in orange-producing regions have led to increased costs for consumers. The rising concerns over added sugars in juices have also contributed to a decline in sales of frozen beverages.

To adapt to changing consumer preferences, Minute Maid launched Zero Sugar versions of its fresh juices in 2020. Despite these efforts, sales of frozen beverages, including Minute Maid’s frozen juices, have continued to decline. According to market research firm NielsenIQ, U.S. sales of frozen beverages fell nearly 8% in the past year.

As Minute Maid bids farewell to its frozen juice concentrates, consumers will have to adjust to a new era of fresh juices dominating the market. While the nostalgia of mixing up a can of frozen juice may soon be a thing of the past, the brand remains committed to providing high-quality and innovative beverage options to meet the evolving tastes of consumers.