Sucos

Sucos are beverages produced by extracting juice from fruits and vegetables. In Portuguese, the term suco (plural sucos) refers to these drinks; in Brazil the word is predominant, while in Portugal sumos is common.

Production methods range from traditional fresh squeezing to industrial processes that use pulp or concentrate, pasteurization, and aseptic packaging. Freshly prepared sucos may be labeled as suco natural or suco feito na hora, while industrial products may be described as suco de polpa or suco concentrado and often require reconstitution with water. Some markets also offer sparkling sucos with carbonation.

Common flavors include orange, pineapple, mango, grape, passion fruit, acerola, and watermelon, as well as vegetable mixes such as carrot and tomato. Many juices mix multiple fruits.

Nutrition and usage: Natural fruit juice is a source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, but usually contains substantial natural sugars and lacks the fiber of whole fruit. 100% juice differs from nectars or beverages with added sugar or water; labeling varies by country.

Cultural and commercial context: In Brazil, sucos are a staple for breakfast and are widely sold in supermarkets, juice bars, and cafes. There is a growing demand for fresh-pressed and minimally processed options, with packaging in glass, PET, or cartons.