Is It Squash Or Diluting Juice?

You might wonder if squash and diluting juice mean the same thing. The answer depends on where you live. Here’s how the words change:

• In British English, squash means a concentrated fruit drink you mix with water.

• In American English, squash usually means a vegetable, not a drink.

• People in the U.K. sometimes call squash “diluting juice,” but Americans just say juice or soft drink.

You’ll also hear about cordial and fruit juice. These drinks all sound similar, but they have important differences. To make healthy choices, you need clear definitions and practical comparisons, especially when you think about sugar and ingredients.

Key Takeaways

• Squash is a concentrated fruit drink mixed with water, popular in the U.K., while Americans typically refer to similar drinks as juice.

• Diluting juice, often found in Scotland, usually contains more fruit juice than squash and requires less water for mixing.

• Fruit juice is pure liquid from fruit with no added sugars, while squash contains about 30% fruit juice and often has added sugars.

• Cordial is thicker and stronger than squash, requiring less dilution for a bold flavor, making it a richer option.

• Always check labels for sugar and fruit content to make healthier drink choices that align with your taste preferences.

Squash and Juice

What is squash

If you walk into a grocery store in the U.K., you’ll see bottles labeled squash. So, what is squash? You get a concentrated fruit-flavored liquid that you mix with water before you drink it. You don’t drink it straight from the bottle. Most commercial fruit squash products contain a blend of ingredients that give them their unique taste and shelf life. Here’s what you’ll usually find inside:

• Fruit juice or pulp for flavor

• Sugar to sweeten and preserve

• Citric acid for a tangy taste and longer shelf life

• Water to help dissolve everything

• Preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium metabisulphite

You pour a small amount of squash into your glass, then add water. Some brands recommend a ratio of 1 part squash to 4 or 9 parts water. Super concentrates need even more water—up to 80 parts! Squash is popular because it’s affordable, easy to store, and comes in many flavors. People often choose fruit squash as a healthier alternative to soda, but it usually has less fruit juice than you might expect.

Tip: Always check the label to see how much real fruit juice is in your squash. Some bottles have only 30% fruit juice or less.

What is diluting juice

In Scotland and some parts of the U.K., you’ll hear people ask for diluting juice. This term means almost the same thing as squash. You get a concentrated liquid, often with a higher percentage of fruit juice than regular squash. You mix it with water before you drink it. Diluting juice sometimes tastes stronger and fruitier because it uses more fruit juice. The dilution ratio is usually lower, so you add less water compared to squash. If you want a drink with more fruit flavor, you might prefer diluting juice over regular fruit squash.

• Diluting juice often contains more fruit juice than squash.

• You mix it with water, but you use less water than with squash.

• The taste is usually richer and more fruity.

Regional names

Names for these drinks change depending on where you live. In England, you’ll hear squash. In Scotland, people say diluting juice. Americans don’t use either term. They might call similar drinks “juice” or “drink mix,” but these are not the same as squash or diluting juice. The confusion gets worse when you add cordial to the mix. In the U.K., cordial can mean a thicker, stronger version of squash, but in other places, it might mean something completely different.

Here’s a quick table to help you sort out the names:

You might wonder why these terms get mixed up. The drinks look similar, and you prepare them the same way. Both squash and diluting juice are concentrated liquids you dilute with water. Cordial is often used as a synonym, but it’s usually thicker and more intense. If you want to know what you’re drinking, always check the label for fruit content and sugar.

Fruit Juice vs. Squash

Fruit juice drink

When you pick up a bottle labeled fruit juice, you get a drink made from the liquid squeezed out of real fruit. You don’t see extra water, sugar, or preservatives added to pure fruit juice. In the European Union, fruit juice means the unfermented liquid from the edible part of the fruit. The United States uses a similar definition. You can trust that fruit juice is just what it sounds like—liquid fruit with nothing else mixed in.

Fruit squash is different. You mix fruit squash with water before you drink it. The bottle contains a concentrated liquid with fruit juice, sugar, water, and preservatives. You don’t drink it straight. You add water to get the right taste. Fruit squash is not the same as fruit juice drink. You get a blend, not pure fruit.

Fruit content comparison

You might wonder how much real fruit is in your glass. Here’s a simple way to compare fruit juice and squash:

• Fruit juice has 100% fruit content. You get only the juice from the fruit.

• Leading squash brands usually have about 30% fruit juice. The rest is water, sugar, and other ingredients.

Let’s look at the differences side by side:

If you want more fruit in your drink, fruit juice is the clear winner. Squash gives you less fruit and more extras. You get a different taste and texture. Fruit juice tastes fresh and natural. Squash tastes sweeter and lighter.

Sugar and health

You might ask, “Which drink is healthier?” The answer depends on what you want. Fruit juice has no added sugar fruit juice if you choose the right bottle. You get vitamins and natural sugars from the fruit. Squash often has added sugar or sweeteners. You get less fruit and more sugar in each serving.

Here are some things to think about:

• Fruit juice gives you more vitamins and minerals from the fruit.

• Squash can have more sugar, which may not be good for your teeth or health.

• If you want less sugar, look for squash labeled “no added sugar.”

• Fruit juice drink is better for you if you want more fruit and fewer extras.

Tip: Always check the label for sugar and fruit content. If you want a healthier choice, pick fruit juice with no added sugar.

You can enjoy both drinks, but you need to know what’s inside. Fruit juice gives you pure fruit. Squash gives you a mix. The healthiest option is usually fruit juice, especially if you choose no added sugar fruit juice.

Cordial and Other Drinks

Cordial vs. squash

You might wonder, what are cordials? Cordials are a type of concentrated drink that you mix with water, just like squash. The big difference comes down to strength and thickness. Cordial is usually thicker and has a stronger taste than squash. When you pour cordial into your glass, you notice it looks richer and sometimes darker. You need less cordial to get a bold flavor, while squash often needs more liquid to reach the same level of taste.

Cordials often have more fruit juice and less added water. You get a deeper fruit flavor, and the sweetness stands out. Some fruit cordials use real fruit extracts, which makes the taste more natural. If you want a drink with a punch, cordial is the way to go. Squash gives you a lighter, more refreshing option. Both drinks are concentrated, but cordial packs more flavor in every drop.

Note: Cordials are not the same as liqueurs. In the U.K., cordial means a non-alcoholic, concentrated fruit drink.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Other fruit juice drinks

You see many fruit juice drinks on store shelves. Some look like fruit squash or cordials, but they are not the same. Fruit cordials stand out because they use more fruit and less sugar. You get a concentrated drink with a bold taste. Other drinks, like flavored waters or juice blends, often have less fruit and more sweeteners.

If you want to know what you’re drinking, check the label. Fruit cordials give you a strong fruit taste and a thicker texture. Squash offers a lighter, sweeter option. Juice blends and flavored waters are usually less intense and may not have much real fruit. You get more choices, but the taste and health benefits change with each drink.

Tip: If you want a drink with real fruit and less sugar, choose fruit cordials or fruit squash with high fruit content.

You now know what makes squash, diluting juice, cordial, and fruit juice different. Squash is a sweet, concentrated drink you mix with water. Diluting juice often has more fruit flavor. Cordial gives you a stronger taste. Fruit juice is just pure juice.

Tip: Always check the label for sugar and fruit content. Pick the drink that fits your taste and health goals. Understanding the names helps you make the best choice.

FAQ

What is the main difference between squash and juice drinks?

You mix squash with water before you drink it. Juice drinks often come ready to drink. Squash usually has less fruit and more sugar. Juice drinks can help quench your thirst, but always check the label for sugar content.

What does fruit juice from concentrate mean?

Fruit juice from concentrate means the juice was squeezed from fruit, then water was removed. Later, water gets added back in. You still get the taste of fruit, but it may not taste as fresh as pure juice.

What should you drink to refresh yourself on a hot day?

You can grab a glass of squash, cordial, or fruit juice. If you want to refresh your body and mind, choose a drink with less sugar and more real fruit. Water also works great to beat the heat.

What drink is best to satisfy your thirst quickly?

If you feel thirsty, water is the best choice. Squash and juice drinks can also help with thirst. Pick a drink with less sugar if you want to stay healthy and hydrated.

What is the healthiest option among these drinks?

Pure fruit juice gives you more vitamins and less added sugar. Squash and cordial often have more sugar. Always read the label and choose drinks with higher fruit content and less sugar for a healthier option.