What’s the Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice?
Updated: Sep. 07, 2023
What's the real difference between apple cider and apple juice? The two products sound similar—but here's what sets them apart.
When the weather turns crisp and cool each fall, there’s no doubt that it’s time to start baking apple desserts. But whether you’re at the apple orchard or the grocery store, it’s easy to get stuck on the choice between two popular beverages: apple cider and apple juice.
Here’s what makes each drink so special—and when to use ’em both.
The Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice
It starts as soon as the apples are picked! In most cases, apple cider is raw pressed apple juice that has not been filtered to remove pulp or sediment. It’s a fresh product that you’re most likely to see at local apple orchards or farmers markets. But apple juice is always filtered to remove the apple solids and then pasteurized so it stays fresh at a supermarket.
The result is two apple beverages with a very different look and flavor:
Apple Juice: generally sweeter, with a clear and light color
Apple Cider: more tart and balanced, which is perfect for baking, with a dark and cloudy look
It’s not hard to find good apple juice at your grocery store. But to find real apple cider, we’d recommend looking at the best place to go apple picking in every state.
How to Store Cider and Juice
Most apple ciders are raw / unpasteurized and will need to be refrigerated ASAP. (You can also freeze the cider—leave 2″ or so at the top of the container so it has room to expand.) On the other hand, apple juice is always pasteurized and tends to be shelf-stable. Just refrigerate the container after opening.
When to Use in the Kitchen
Both apple cider and apple juice are delicious, but you’ll find more recipes that call for apple cider because of its rich apple-y flavor. You can make this mulled cider to stay cozy or incorporate fresh apple cider in everything from doughnuts to dumplings.
Our Favorite Recipes to Make with Apple Cider
Apple Cider Pulled PorkFor potlucks and tailgates, we slow-cook pork with cider, onions and spices. These tangy sliders make a winning barbecue plate with sweet potato fries. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly ShotsThese spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home. Here's what you need to know about Apple Cider Jelly Beans.
Apple Cider-Glazed HamWhen I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Apple Cider Chicken 'n' DumplingsI came up with this recipe one fall when I had an abundance of apple cider. Adding some to a down-home classic was a delectable decision.
—Margaret Sumner-Wichmann, Questa, New Mexico
Caramel Apple FloatWho doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Sparkling Cider Pound CakeThis pound cake is incredible and completely reminds me of fall with every bite. Using sparkling apple cider in the batter and the glaze gives it a delicious and unique flavor. I love everything about it! —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah
Farmhouse Pork and Apple PieI've always loved pork and apples together, and this recipe combines them nicely to create a comforting main dish. It calls for a bit of preparation, but my family and I agree the wonderful flavor is well worth the effort. —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Thyme-Baked Apple SlicesMy children love this healthy apple side dish along with chicken fingers for lunch. It's also a wonderful alternative to potatoes when serving meat. My family even asks for seconds!—Constance Henry, Hibbing, Minnesota
Cider JellyFor a tasty jam during the fall, try this cider. The candy adds a wonderful cinnamon flavor.—Donna Bensend, Dallas, Wisconsin
Warm Spiced Cider PunchThis is a nice warm-up punch. I like to serve it when there is a nip in the air. The aroma of the apple cider, orange juice and spices as the punch simmers in the slow cooker is wonderful. —Susan Smith, Forest, Virginia
Grilled Rosemary Pork RoastWhen the family's coming or we're expecting guests for dinner, I often serve this flavorful grilled pork roast—and it's always a winner! Chopped apple and sweet honey complement the rosemary and garlic.
—Christine Wilson
Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Almond-Crusted Chops with Cider SauceI use finely ground almonds to give pork chops a crunchy crust. The cider sauce makes them tangy, creamy and sweet. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Spiced ApplesauceCardamom and mace add a bit of unusual spicy flavor to this homemade applesauce. This dish is a wonderful way to make use of autumn's apple bounty. —Janet Thomas, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania
Apple Balsamic ChickenI just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this dish. It's easy to prepare and after cooking in the slow cooker, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Maple-Walnut Sweet PotatoesTopped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
Hot Apple CiderIn this recipe, brown sugar and spices add extra flavor to already delicious apple cider. —Marlys Benning, Wellsburg, Iowa
Southwest Shredded Pork SaladThis knockout shredded pork makes a healthy, delicious and hearty salad with black beans, corn, cotija cheese and plenty of fresh greens. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Originally Published: September 25, 2018
