Just when vegans thought it was safe to buy commercial juice, it turns out that you really have to keep an eye out for non-vegan ingredients!  This one in particular has come to light.  It's not some conspiracy theory, there's no big drama about to unfold, it's simply something to be mindful of when purchasing products that you may think are vegan-suitable.

Campbell's V8 Plus: Berry Body Balance
RECONSTITUTED FRUIT JUICES (69%) (APPLE (53%), PEAR (5%), RED GRAPE (3.5%), RASPBERRY (3%), STRAWBERRY (2.5%), LEMON (1.5%), ELDERBERRY), RECONSTITUTED CARROT JUICE (30%), SKIM MILK POWDER, THICKENER (APPLE PECTIN), FOOD ACIDS (MALIC ACID, CITRIC ACID), NATURAL FLAVOUR, VITAMIN c, GRAPE SKIN EXTRACT (0.006%), COLOUR (E12)

Beta-carotene as an additive
Another thing to be aware of, according to the Vegan Detective, is if you read the ingredients list on a product and it includes beta-carotene, then it could contain gelatin.

"Beta-Carotene is not water soluble. Gelatin is added to it to make it water soluble, dispersing its yellow-orange colour to the drink and not clumping.

While vegetarian friendly beta-carotene vitamins are widely available, you should think twice before consuming any commercial product with beta-carotene added to it."

As part of the manufacturing process, packaged juices are cooked to lengthen the shelf life.  This is true for Campbell's V8 juices as well as other brands and results in the destruction of the vital enzymes which are part of the reason why you drink fruit and vegetable juices!

The best way to ensure your diet includes these life-giving enzymes is to produce it yourself at home.  DIY juice, especially if prepared using a 'living juicer' type appliance, is best consumed immediately after you make it.  It's also tastier because the longer you leave it in the fridge, the more oxidisation takes place.  Oxidisation is the natural breakdown of fresh produce once exposed to air.  The sugar level escalates, the colour darkens and the flavour deteriorates.

Vegan, vegetarian or garden variety omnivore ... DIY juice is naturally better for you, but even then, you need to use good quality produce and make your juice sooner rather than later as the health benefits of all fruits and vegetables break down from the moment they're harvested.