Orange Juice: Carton vs. Canned Concentrate

[scfr]

Has anyone else noticed that, since the big freeze in CA, the price of not-from-concentrate OJ in the carton has gone through the ceiling while concentrate prices have stayed exactly the same? Is it the same where you all live?

We used to drink Tropicana in the carton, waiting for a sale at $2. But about 6 months ago, as part of our continual effort to cut back where we can, we switched to frozen concentrate from Costco. [We buy a 6-pack of the Kirkland Signature OJ and a 6-pack of mixed flavors from Dole and alternate between the 2.] Yesterday we picked up some concentrate at Costco and the price had not change from the last time we bought a couple months ago. But I've noticed in the grocery store that the carton juice is up about $1 per carton and there are no sales.

BTW, if you want to try concentrate to save on $$$ but don't think you like the taste, here's a trick that worked for us: We cut back on the amount of water we add by about 10-15% from what the directions say and we find the taste much more to our liking and closer to the carton taste. [For example, if the can calls for 3 cans of water, try 2-1/2 or 2-2/3 cans and see how you like it.]

[JanH]

Thanks for the tip! We used to buy frozen all the time, but haven't in a long while. I like the taste of carton, so I will try using less water.

[PrincessPerky]

Heh, funny we use MORE water not less....Though we rarely have juice period, but I noticed my nieces and nephews devoured it when they were down...extra water and all.

[TheTexan]

You are right. I don't put as much water as it calls for. Most call for 3 cans of water, I usually put in 2 1/2. It actually tastes a lot like not-from-concentrate.

[threebeansalad]

Interesting idea! I'm going to try it! I grew up drinking the frozen concentrate until my husband introduced me to Tropicana in a carton. OJ isn't a staple fro us, but when I do buy it, Tropicana in a carton is the only that tastes good anymore! I wonder if this fickle palate can be fooled!