What Is Cold Pressed Juice, and Is It ACTUALLY That Good?

Cold-pressed juice is taking the health world by storm, but what exactly makes it so special? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about cold-pressed juice—what it is, how it works, and why it might be the game-changer your diet needs. 

We’ll also answer all the questions you might have. 

Let’s dive into the world of fresh, nutrient-packed juice.

What Does Cold-Pressed Mean?

Cold-pressed juice is called that because it’s made by pressing the ingredients without any heat. The juicers used for the process are called cold-press juicers, slow juicers, or even masticating juicers. 

Some cold-press juicers use a hydraulic press – that’s mostly the case with juice you find in specialty shops or grocery stores. These apply lots of pounds of pressure to squeeze the juice out. However, cold-press juicers for home use rely on smaller augers.

Pro tip: Hurom patented the Slow Squeeze Technology that mimics hand-squeezing. This process ensures your fresh juice has more nutrients, is tastier, and stays fresh for longer.

How Do Cold-Pressed Juicers Work?

There are two common types of juicers if we’re only looking at the juicing method:

• Centrifugal juicers have blades that spin fast and, therefore, create heat and introduce oxygen inside the juice. Studies show that oxidation destroys essential nutrients, like vitamin C, while also tampering with the juice’s color and taste. That’s why centrifugal juice has a shorter shelf life.
• Cold-pressed juicing entails a gentle extraction process that protects essential nutrients instead of oxidizing them. Basically, this type of juice has a higher nutritional content and also tastes better.

Heat vs Cold: Which Is Best?

The debate between heat and cold comes down to one thing: nutrient preservation. 

Many vitamins and enzymes are heat-sensitive. For example, vitamin C starts breaking down immediately when exposed to heat. Centrifugal juicers exude lots of heat during the juicing process, so they accelerate this loss. 

Besides, heat also accelerates the oxidation process. 

In contrast, cold-press juicers minimize air contact and preserve more antioxidants and heat-sensitive nutrients. You may not have known this, but leafy greens, in particular, retain more nutrients when cold-pressed. 

All this leads to a slew of health benefits.

Benefits of Cold-Pressed Juice [+ Potential Disadvantages]

Cold-pressed juice offers numerous health benefits because:

• They’re more nutrient-packed compared to regular juices.
• Your body can actually absorb those nutrients faster than from raw fruits and veggies because juices are easier to digest. 

Therefore, the benefits of cold-pressed juice are:

• Better immunity: These juices are packed with antioxidants that support your immune function and protect against free radical damage.
• Improved digestion: Juices are easier to digest. On the other hand, they have lots of soluble fibers and plant-based nutrients that improve digestion in the short term. Plus, studies show these juices can heal your gut lining in the long term. 

Pro tip: Try this anti-inflammatory juice recipe below if you have digestive problems caused by inflammation.

• Enhanced hydration: 100% cold-press juices hydrate the body because they have important electrolytes. For example, cherry, orange, and watermelon juice are high in magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These electrolytes funnel the water and nutrients to where they’re needed. Plus, they keep the correct fluid balance inside your cells.
• Detox support: Cold-press juices support natural detoxification because they give you a concentrated source of antioxidants. Besides, juice – especially green juice – supports liver function.
• Energy boost: Since you get a huge influx of vitamins and minerals from nutrient-dense ingredients, your energy levels will increase. Even better, homemade cold-press juices don’t have any added sugars or artificial substances, so you won’t experience any energy crashes.

However, cold-pressed juice does have some disadvantages.

• The price: Bottled cold-pressed juices can be expensive. Luckily, you can save money if you invest in a quality cold press juicer that squeezes every drop of juice from produce. This investment makes your grocery costs plummet. 
• The lack of insoluble fiber: However, you can use the leftover pulp from juicing in recipes or simply make sure to eat more raw fruits and leafy greens throughout the day. 
• Store-bought juices can be packed with sugar or artificial sweeteners:  This can lead to blood sugar spikes that increase your risk of insulin resistance and, therefore, diabetes. That’s why making your own cold-pressed juice is not only healthier but more cost-effective in the long run. 

Pro tip: Alternatively, if you’re in New York, check out this list of NYC juice bars for real cold-pressed juice options.

Cold-Press Juice: How to Do It Right

If you want to maximize the benefits of cold-press juice, the best way is to make it right at home with a quality cold-press juicer. 

It’s an easy way to add more leafy greens and vegetables to your diet and consume a wide range of nutrients without having to prepare a whole meal.

However, remember to also eat enough raw fruits, veggies, and lean protein throughout the day to support your digestive health.

Conclusion: Should You Get a Cold-Press Juicer?

If you’re serious about juicing and want the maximum nutritional benefits, a cold-press juicer could be a great investment. We all know that cold-pressed juices can be pricey at juice bars.

Owning your own juicer can help you save money over time, especially if you’re someone who enjoys a daily glass of juice. 

Plus, making your own juice at home means you have full control over the ingredients. No artificial sweeteners – just pure, fresh juice. 

Basically, you get numerous health benefits without breaking the bank on store-bought bottles.

Just remember to choose the right juicer for your needs

Our juicers minimize both prep and cleaning time so you can get your delicious, nutrient-packed juices fast. So, review our product catalog and find out exactly why Hurom makes health easy. 

FAQ

What is special about cold-pressed juice?

Cold-pressed juice is extracted using a hydraulic press or an auger that applies pounds of pressure to raw fruits and vegetables without heat. This absence of heat helps retain more essential nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes compared to traditional juicing methods.

What's the difference between cold-pressed juice and regular juice?

Regular juice is typically made with a centrifugal juicer that has fast-spinning blades. This juicing process generates heat and causes oxidation. Cold-pressed juice, on the other hand, uses a cold-pressing process that keeps nutrients intact by minimizing heat and exposure to air.

What is the downside of cold-pressed juice?

The main downside is the lack of insoluble fiber, which is lost during the juicing process. Additionally, cold-pressed juices tend to be more expensive if you’re buying them at grocery stores or specialty shops.

Can you drink cold-pressed juice every day?

Yes, you can drink cold-pressed juice every day as part of a balanced diet. It’s a convenient way to increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but make sure to also consume whole fruits and vegetables to get enough fiber.

Can I cold press at home?

Absolutely! You can cold press at home with a cold press juicer. These juicers are designed for home use and allow you to make fresh juice without the loss of nutrients that come with heat or oxidation. Take our juicer quiz to find the right juicer for your needs.

Is it worth buying a cold press juicer?

If you love juice and want the best possible nutritional value, investing in a cold press juicer is worth it. You will save more money compared to buying bottled cold-pressed juice, and you’ll also have full control over the ingredients. That way, you can ensure your juice is as fresh and healthy as possible.

Is cold-pressed juice better than smoothies?

Cold-pressed juice and smoothies both have their benefits. Cold-pressed juice is rich in nutrients and easy to digest but lacks the insoluble fiber found in whole fruits. Smoothies, on the other hand, keep all the fiber and can be more filling. It really depends on your nutritional needs—both are great for different reasons. Here’s a more in-depth look at blending vs juicing.