Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is the pressed liquid of ripe tomatoes, valued for its bold, tangy flavour and impressive nutritional profile. It is a wonderfully practical ingredient to keep in the kitchen - thick enough to stand in for tomato paste or canned tomatoes in a recipe, and if you don't use it all up in time, you can simply drink the rest. It is quite thick on its own, so for drinking, just water it down to taste. Either way, nothing goes to waste.

Nutrition

Per one cup (240 ml) tomato juice provides around 41 calories, 1.9 g protein, 9 g carbohydrates, and virtually no fat.

✓ Excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart and cellular health;
✓ One cup delivers a significant amount of lycopene alongside around 170 mg of vitamin C and 527 mg of potassium;
✓ Low in calories and naturally fat-free;

Tomato juice is a simple, convenient way to absorb key antioxidants and minerals without cooking from scratch.

Health Benefits

The main strengths of tomato juice are lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium. Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant associated with reduced inflammation and improved heart health. Interestingly, processed tomato products like juice actually make lycopene easier to absorb than raw tomatoes, as heat and processing break down the cell walls that otherwise limit uptake. Vitamin C supports immune function and collagen production, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. Some studies also suggest that daily tomato product consumption may support visceral fat reduction, making tomato juice a particularly useful addition to a health-conscious diet.

Fresh vs. Store-Bought

Fresh tomato juice pressed at home offers the purest flavour and no additives, but requires ripe, flavourful tomatoes and a little effort. Store-bought juice is far more convenient and, importantly, often just as nutritious - the processing that concentrates and heats the juice actually enhances lycopene bioavailability. When buying, choose unsalted or low-sodium varieties and check the label for no added sugar or artificial flavours. Ideally, the only ingredient should be tomatoes.

How to Prepare

1. Use in place of tomato paste or canned tomatoes in soups, stews, and sauces - it adds the same depth with a slightly lighter body.
2. Stir into braising liquids or grain dishes for a rich, savoury base without any chopping or blending needed.
3. If you have leftovers that need using up, just drink them - dilute with a little water to reach your preferred consistency and enjoy as a light, savoury drink.

Storage

Unopened store-bought tomato juice keeps for up to a year in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, transfer to a sealed glass container and refrigerate - it stays fresh for 5–7 days. Freshly pressed tomato juice is more perishable and should be consumed within 2–3 days for the best flavour and nutritional value.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes. Pour tomato juice into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top as it expands when frozen. Once solid, transfer to a sealed bag. It keeps for up to 3 months and can be added directly to hot soups, stews, or sauces from frozen without thawing.

What Do We Use?

At DAREBEETS, we use unsalted, pure tomato juice with no added sugar or preservatives because it blends seamlessly into our recipes, delivers consistent acidity, and keeps the nutritional profile clean and predictable.