Prune Juice: Nutrients, What Research Shows and Safety
Prune juice as a drink: USDA sugar, potassium and vitamin values, the trial on constipation, how it differs from whole prunes, plus sorbitol, potassium and child cautions.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Prune juice is made from dried plums, the fruit of Prunus domestica (rose family, Rosaceae). It is a sweet, dark drink that people most often reach for when they are constipated. This page looks at the juice as a drink and keeps it apart from whole prunes, which have most of the research (see Prunes). It says what the research shows, how strong it is, and what it does not show.
Read this first
- Constipation is the one use with some human evidence for the juice. One randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 84 adults in Japan found prune juice reduced hard stools over 8 weeks. It was partly paid for by a prune company. [2] Most other prune trials used whole prunes, not juice. [3] [4]
- See a doctor if constipation keeps coming back or does not improve, if there is blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, tummy pain or sudden changes in bowel habits. [6]
- Potassium: one cup has about 707 mg (15% of the Daily Value). [1] The National Kidney Foundation lists prune juice among higher-potassium juices for people with kidney disease who are told to limit potassium. [8]
- Sugar and loose stools: one cup has about 42 g of sugars, and prune juice contains sorbitol, a sugar alcohol. [1] [2] In some people that can cause gas or loose stools.
- Babies and children: the American Academy of Pediatrics (2017) says juice should not be given in the first year of life. [10] Ask a pediatrician before giving prune juice for constipation.
- Emergency: for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat after any food, call 911 (or your local emergency number).
What is in it (USDA values)
The values below are for prune juice, canned (USDA FoodData Central item 167753, SR Legacy). [1] The serving column is the USDA household portion of 1 cup, 256 g. [1]
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per 1 cup (256 g) | % Daily Value per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 71 kcal | 182 kcal | not set |
| Total sugars | 16.45 g | 42.1 g | no DV |
| Carbohydrate | 17.45 g | 44.7 g | 16% |
| Fiber | 1.0 g | 2.6 g | 9% |
| Protein | 0.61 g | 1.6 g | 3% |
| Potassium | 276 mg | 707 mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1.18 mg | 3.0 mg | 17% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.218 mg | 0.56 mg | 33% |
| Copper | 0.068 mg | 0.17 mg | 19% |
| Manganese | 0.151 mg | 0.39 mg | 17% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.07 mg | 0.18 mg | 14% |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.785 mg | 2.0 mg | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 4.1 mg | 10.5 mg | 12% |
| Vitamin K | 3.4 mcg | 8.7 mcg | 7% |
| Sodium | 4 mg | 10 mg | 0% |
% Daily Value uses the FDA 2016 Daily Values; values vary with brand, how much pulp is left in, and storage. The serving figures are the 100 g values multiplied by 2.56. [1] Juice has much less fiber than whole prunes (this juice has 1.0 g per 100 g; the Prunes page lists the whole dried fruit). USDA lists no caffeine and no alcohol in this item. [1]
Plant compounds: a 1998 laboratory analysis of commercial prune juice found phenolic compounds, mainly chlorogenic acids (neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid), and the extract slowed the oxidation of human LDL cholesterol in a test tube. [13] That is laboratory evidence only. We did not find a trial showing these compounds work in people who drink prune juice.
What research says
| Health goal | What the sources found | Strength of evidence | What was studied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic constipation | In 84 Japanese adults aged 20 to 75 with untreated chronic constipation, 54 g a day of prune juice for 8 weeks gave fewer hard, lumpy stools and more normal stools than a placebo drink, and better scores for constipation and hard stools. No liver or kidney lab changes were seen. [2] | Promising but limited (one trial, partly company-funded) | Prune juice versus a matched placebo drink [2] |
| Constipation (whole prunes) | In 40 adults with chronic constipation, 50 g of dried plums twice daily for 3 weeks gave more complete spontaneous bowel movements a week than psyllium. [3] A systematic review of 4 trials said prunes appear better than psyllium for stool frequency and consistency but called the evidence weak and in need of confirming. [4] | Promising but limited for whole prunes; do not assume it carries over to juice | Dried plums as food [3] [4] |
| Dietary guidance | A 2025 British Dietetic Association guideline built on 75 trials includes two statements on prunes; of its 59 statements, 12 rest on very low and 39 on low-certainty evidence. [5] | Promising but limited | Foods, drinks and supplements for chronic constipation in adults [5] |
| Constipation in children or babies | Proper evidence not found in the sources we read for prune juice. | Insufficient evidence | Not applicable |
| Antioxidant effect | Prune juice extract slowed LDL oxidation in a test tube. [13] | Lab or animal only | Lab test of extracts [13] |
| Heart disease, bone loss, cancer | We did not read a trial of prune juice for these. The bone trials we know of used whole prunes. | No good evidence of benefit found in the sources we read | Not applicable |
The prune juice trial was partly funded by a prune company, and two authors work for it. The paper says the sponsor had no control over the interpretation, writing or publication. [2] The trial reported no harm, but it was small. [2]
Eaten as food vs taken as oil, extract or supplement. Most prune research used whole dried plums. Juice has less fiber, so it may not act the same way. The juice trial credited sorbitol, pectin and polyphenols together, but it did not test them one by one. [2]
How much is a normal serving
USDA's household portions are 1 cup (256 g) and 1 fluid ounce (32 g). [1] That is information, not a prescription. For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (2017) advises at most 4 oz a day at ages 1 to 3, 4 to 6 oz at ages 4 to 6, and 8 oz at ages 7 to 18, and prefers whole fruit. [10] The NHS counts unsweetened juice as at most one portion of 5 A DAY, limited to 150 ml a day together with smoothies. [15] WHO recommends keeping free sugars, which include sugars in fruit juices, under 10% of daily energy. [11] The juice trial gave 54 g a day. [2] That is what the study tested, not advice. The NHS advises raising fiber gradually and drinking enough fluid for constipation. [6] NIDDK also lists naturally sweetened fruit and vegetable juices among fluids it suggests. [7]
Safety, allergy and medicines
- Gas and loose stools: prune juice contains sorbitol. [2] The authors of the juice trial note prunes can cause diarrhea and flatulence, but loose stools did not increase in their trial. [2] A systematic review found no difference in gut symptoms between prunes and comparators. [4]
- Kidney disease and potassium: the National Kidney Foundation lists prune juice as a higher-potassium juice for people told to limit potassium. [8] MedlinePlus says people with kidney problems, especially on dialysis, should limit high-potassium foods, and that some blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) and potassium-sparing water pills can raise potassium. [9] Ask a clinician or dietitian. See Foods, kidney disease, potassium and oxalates.
- Diabetes and blood sugar: one cup has about 42 g of sugars and 182 kcal. [1] We did not find a trial on prune juice and blood sugar. Ask a clinician or dietitian.
- Warfarin: vitamin K in prune juice is small (8.7 mcg per cup, 7% of the Daily Value). [1] MedlinePlus says people on warfarin should keep vitamin K intake steady. [14] We did not find a source describing a prune juice interaction. See Foods and medicine interactions.
- Babies, toddlers and children: the AAP says juice has no nutritional benefit for infants and should not be included in the first year, and that unpasteurized juice should be strongly discouraged for children of all ages. [10] An AAP review notes juice was once sometimes recommended for children with constipation, and that its sugar adds calories and tooth-decay risk. [16] Talk to a pediatrician first.
- Unpasteurized juice: the FDA says untreated juice must carry a warning label and that children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill from it. Juice sold by the glass may not be labeled. [12] The USDA item we used is canned juice. [1]
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: we did not read a source on prune juice in pregnancy. Ask your provider. See Foods in pregnancy: what official bodies advise.
- Allergy: we did not find a source we read describing a common prune juice allergy. Any food can cause a reaction; for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat, call 911. See Food allergy basics and emergency signs.
Choosing, storing and food safety
- Pick juice labeled "100% juice" if you want no added sweetener; the Dietary Guidelines list "fruits, especially whole fruit" as the core pattern. [17]
- Look for the FDA warning label on refrigerated, untreated juice. [12]
- We did not read a source on how long opened prune juice keeps, so follow the label.
Related pages
Health connections for Prune Juice
What research links to eating or drinking this food, and how strong the evidence is. Many studies are observational or use juice, powder, oil or extracts rather than the food as eaten; each card says which.
Prune juice and chronic constipation
Preliminary or mixedOne randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 84 Japanese adults with chronic constipation found 54 g a day of prune juice for 8 weeks gave fewer hard stools, more normal stools and better constipation scores than a placebo drink, with no liver or kidney lab changes. The trial was partly funded by a prune company.
Supplements: This is evidence for the juice as a food drink, not for supplements.
Whole prunes and constipation
Preliminary or mixedIn 40 adults with chronic constipation, 50 g of dried plums twice daily gave more complete spontaneous bowel movements a week than psyllium; a systematic review of four trials called the evidence promising but weak. The 2025 British Dietetic Association guideline includes two statements on prunes.
Supplements: Whole dried fruit as food; do not assume the juice acts the same way.
Vitamins and minerals in a cup of prune juice
Established roleOne cup gives about 33% of the Daily Value for vitamin B6, 19% for copper, 17% for iron and for manganese, 14% for riboflavin, 15% for potassium and 12% for vitamin C.
Supplements: Counting toward daily needs is not evidence that the juice prevents illness.
Prune juice phenolics and antioxidant activity (laboratory)
Lab or animal research onlyA 1998 lab analysis found phenolic compounds, mainly chlorogenic acids, in commercial prune juice, and the extract slowed the oxidation of human LDL cholesterol in a test tube.
Supplements: Lab evidence only.
Connected topics
Open a group to see how each topic connects and how strong the evidence is.
Health goals (2)
- Digestive SupportPreliminary or mixed
In one trial of adults with chronic constipation, prune juice gave fewer hard stools than a placebo drink. Limited evidence.
- Gut HealthPreliminary or mixed
Prune juice eased hard stools in one trial of adults with chronic constipation; no broader gut-health outcomes were shown.
Body systems (3)
- Digestive SystemPreliminary or mixed
One randomized trial of prune juice and several trials of whole prunes found easier stools in people with constipation. Evidence is limited; the juice trial was partly company-funded.
- Gut HealthPreliminary or mixed
Prune juice reduced hard stools in one trial of adults with chronic constipation; limited evidence.
- Kidney & UrinaryDocumented risk
Potassium in prune juice matters for people with kidney disease who are told to limit it.
Body parts (2)
Functional actions (2)
- Digestive SupportPreliminary or mixed
Prune juice and whole prunes eased constipation in small trials; limited evidence.
- AntioxidantLab or animal research only
Prune juice extract slowed LDL oxidation in a test tube; this has not been shown in people.
Root causes (2)
- Digestive DysfunctionPreliminary or mixed
Chronic constipation improved with prune juice in one trial; see a doctor if constipation persists.
- Medication Side EffectsDocumented risk
MedlinePlus lists medicines that can raise potassium (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics) and the NKF lists prune juice among higher-potassium juices; together this is a reason to ask a clinician.
Conditions & symptoms (3)
- Chronic ConstipationPreliminary or mixed
The juice trial enrolled adults with chronic constipation; limited evidence, partly company-funded.
- ConstipationPreliminary or mixed
Prune juice reduced hard stools in one randomized trial; whole prunes have more trials. See a doctor if constipation persists.
- HyperkalemiaDocumented risk
Prune juice is a higher-potassium juice; people with kidney disease or on potassium-raising medicines may be advised to limit potassium.
Documented risks and interactions (4)
- Sorbitol, gas and loose stools. Prune juice contains sorbitol. The authors of the juice trial note prunes can cause diarrhea and flatulence, though loose stools did not increase in their trial, and a systematic review found no difference in gut symptoms between prunes and comparators.
- Potassium and kidney disease. One cup of USDA's canned prune juice has about 707 mg of potassium (15% of the Daily Value). The National Kidney Foundation lists prune juice among higher-potassium juices, and MedlinePlus says people with kidney problems, especially on dialysis, should limit high-potassium foods and that ACE inhibitors, ARBs and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise potassium.
- Sugar and calories in prune juice. One cup has about 42 g of sugars and 182 kcal. WHO counts sugars in fruit juices as free sugars to be kept under 10% of daily energy.
- Prune juice for babies and children. The AAP says juice has no nutritional benefit for infants and should not be included in the first year, that unpasteurized juice should be strongly discouraged for children of all ages, and sets daily limits for older children. An AAP review notes juice was once sometimes recommended for children with constipation and that its sugar adds calories and tooth-decay risk.
Frequently asked questions
Does prune juice help constipation?
One randomized trial of 84 adults found prune juice gave fewer hard stools than a placebo drink over 8 weeks. It was small and partly funded by a prune company. [2] Whole prunes have more research. [3] [4] See a doctor if constipation continues. [6]
Is prune juice as good as eating prunes?
We did not find a trial comparing them. Juice has about 1 g of fiber per 100 g, so it is not the same food. [1]
How much prune juice is okay?
There is no official figure for prune juice itself. The trial used 54 g a day. [2] The NHS limits juice and smoothies to 150 ml a day together, and the AAP gives age limits for children. [15] [10] Ask a clinician about your own situation.
Is prune juice safe for babies?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says juice should not be given in a baby's first year. [10] Ask a pediatrician about constipation in a baby.
Is prune juice high in potassium and sugar?
Yes, fairly. One cup has about 707 mg of potassium and 42 g of sugars. [1] People with kidney disease or diabetes should ask a clinician. [8]
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central: Prune juice, canned (SR Legacy, FDC 167753). April 2018 release. Read 2026-10-24.
- Koyama T et al. Prune juice containing sorbitol, pectin, and polyphenol ameliorates subjective complaints and hard feces while normalizing stool in chronic constipation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2022 (full text read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- Attaluri A et al. Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- Lever E et al. Systematic review: the effect of prunes on gastrointestinal function. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- Dimidi E et al. British Dietetic Association guidelines for the dietary management of chronic constipation in adults. J Hum Nutr Diet 2025 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- NHS. Constipation. Read 2026-10-24.
- NIDDK. Eating, diet, and nutrition for constipation. Read 2026-10-24.
- National Kidney Foundation. Potassium and your CKD diet. Read 2026-10-24.
- MedlinePlus. Potassium in diet. Read 2026-10-24.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). AAP recommends no fruit juice for children under 1 year. Published 22 May 2017. Read 2026-10-24.
- WHO. WHO calls on countries to reduce sugars intake among adults and children. 4 March 2015. Read 2026-10-24.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. What you need to know about juice safety. Read 2026-10-24.
- Donovan JL, Meyer AS, Waterhouse AL. Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of prunes and prune juice (Prunus domestica). J Agric Food Chem 1998 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- MedlinePlus. Vitamin K. Review date 2025-01-21. Read 2026-10-24.
- NHS. 5 A DAY: what counts. Read 2026-10-24.
- Heyman MB, Abrams SA; AAP Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Fruit juice in infants, children, and adolescents: current recommendations. Pediatrics 2017 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025: Executive Summary. December 2020. Read 2026-10-24.