Nectar (drink) facts for kids

Nectars are a type of non-fizzy drink made by mashing up the soft part of fruits. They are different from pure fruit juices because they often have water and other things added to them.

What Are Nectars?

Nectars are tasty drinks that are made from the flesh of fruits. Unlike pure fruit juice, which is 100% fruit, nectars are usually made by taking the mashed-up fruit (called pulp) and mixing it with water. They can also have sweeteners, like sugar or other sweet things, and sometimes preservatives to keep them fresh longer.

How Nectars Are Made

Making nectar starts with choosing ripe fruits. The soft, juicy part of the fruit is then mashed or blended into a thick pulp. This pulp is then mixed with water to get the right consistency. Depending on the type of fruit and how sweet it naturally is, extra sweeteners might be added. Sometimes, a little bit of citric acid is included to balance the taste and help keep the nectar from spoiling.

Nectars Around the World

The word "nectar" can mean different things in different countries when it comes to drinks. This can sometimes be a bit confusing!

Rules in the United States and United Kingdom

In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, when you see a drink labeled "fruit juice," it means it's 100% pure juice with nothing else added. A "nectar," on the other hand, is a drink that has fruit juice but is also mixed with water. It can also contain other things like natural or artificial sweeteners and preservatives. The amount of water and other ingredients that can be added to a nectar is usually limited by special rules to make sure it still has a good amount of fruit.

Rules in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the way they use the words "juice" and "nectar" is actually the opposite! There, a "juice" often means a fruit drink that has been sweetened. But if you see a drink called "nectar" in New Zealand, it usually means it is pure fruit, similar to what other countries call 100% juice.

Why Do We Have Nectars?

Nectars are popular for several reasons. Sometimes, fruits like peaches, apricots, or mangoes have very thick pulp. If you tried to drink their pure juice, it would be too thick! So, adding water makes them easier and more pleasant to drink. Also, nectars can be a way to make fruit drinks more affordable, as they use less pure fruit than 100% juice. They also offer a wider variety of flavors, as different fruits can be blended and sweetened to create unique tastes.

See also

In Spanish: Néctar (alimento) para niños