Does your gut need a glow-up? Perhaps one of the best juice cleanses is right for you.
With summer in full bloom, many are seeking to revamp their wellness routines, including incorporating healthier foods and dietary practices into the mix.
While cleanses involving “detox” teas and sketchy-sounding herbs are generally downvoted by wellness experts, there are some scientifically backed benefits to juicing, when done correctly.
Juice Cleanse Benefits
To get to the bottom of juice cleanses, the Post spoke with a number of health and wellness experts, including Amy Stephens, a board-certified dietitian who specializes in performance nutrition and eating disorders. She currently serves as a sports dietitian for NYU Athletics.
“A juice cleanse is a short-term eating plan that replaces food with juices. Most plans recommend using fresh-pressed juices made from fresh fruits, vegetables, and added flavorings such as lemon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, or ginger,” Stephens explained. “The goal of a cleanse is to detoxify the body and mind.”
The Mayo Clinic does suggest that juicing can help reset the digestive system, while still providing essential vitamins and minerals. However, many experts, including Stephens, caution against juice cleanses that are geared towards rapid weight loss or to reset eating habits.
“The risks of low blood sugar and triggering disordered eating thoughts are a major concern,” she shared. “These plans promote the sense that they can fix eating habits, but have the potential to cause more harm.”
Stephens added that juice cleanses can cause a range of side effects — some immediate and physical, others more long-term and related to mood and mental health. She highlighted that fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, and low energy often accompany longer cleanses.
In order to avoid or minimize these side effects, Stephens has recommended meeting a minimum intake of 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day, even on a cleanse. She also suggested skipping workouts and adding protein or healthy fats to a smoothie to improve energy.
While Stephens emphasizes that long-term cleanses can be risky, she does acknowledge that juice cleanses can provide a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
Although creating your own blend is ideal (several folks on our team recommend using a Vitamix for this), not everyone has the time or desire to chop and liquefy their morning away, which is where my testing of the best juice cleanses comes in.
For people looking to supplement their diet with more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, there are plenty of fresh-pressed juice cleanses that can be delivered directly to your home.
We’ve enlisted help from multiple members of the Post Wanted team to try out some of the most popular juices available — a bundle from Raw Generation, wellness shots and protein smoothies from Suja Juice, and even a pre-vacation cleanse from Pressed.
Hop down to our FAQ with her or keep reading to see our top picks worth trying.
What is the best juice to cleanse your system?
Best Juice Cleanse Overall: Raw Generation Skinny Cleanse
Pros:
- Six flavors that span green, citrus, and sweeter flavors like beet
- Great packaging with ingredients on the front
- Keep in the freezer until ready to drink, then thaw and drink up to 24 hours later
- Great for nutrient addition to meals or as a cleanse
Cons:
- A lot of weight-loss messaging (this may be a pro for some, but take caution)
- Only six flavors, so it may get boring
For an array of tasty juices and cleanses to choose from, turn to Raw Generation. They use only 100% raw, plant-based ingredients you can see right on the label, with green juices, beets, carrots, and more. They also offer the option to build your own box, choosing flavors and ingredients you love, which are then shipped directly to your door.
New York Post Review: We have a super in-depth breakdown of the service here, but for a quick taste test, here is what you need to know. I liked the non-green flavors the best, which were fresh and a bit sweeter than the greens, offering a nice break throughout the day. Out of the three green flavors, I started and ended the day with the Sweet Greens drink, made of apple and kale. I loved how the labels also included the ingredients in an easy-to-read way, noting what exactly comprises a “Tart Green” or a “Sweet Root.” In my trial, I drank these in addition to my normal routine, as a way to include more nutrients to my diet, but there are plans for weight loss and other needs in which you can consult your doctor about if they are right for you. — Sophie Cannon, former Manager of Commerce Strategy and Development
Best Body Detox Juice Cleanse: Sakara Level II Detox
Pros:
- Organic ingredients
- Blend of savory and sweet items
- Gorgeous packaging
- Includes supplements
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other cleanse programs
Sakara’s Level II Detox is not just a cleanse. It’s a weekly nutrition program that has been curated to release toxins, reduce inflammation, and boost cellular rejuvenation with wholesome ingredients your body craves. It includes five days’ worth of drinks, tonics, plus breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and even dressings with the meals you’d expect to find them. Everything is organic, and they even throw in some vitamins, as well as a cool gua sha tool, intended to be used in the morning to promote lymphatic drainage. Our Updates Editor, Holly J Coley, was pleasantly surprised by how filling and tasty the Sakara program was.
New York Post Review: I didn’t think I’d like Sakara, but I was wrong! The amount of food I received for its Detox II Program was not only way more than I was expecting, but surprisingly filling. It included 5 days’ worth of drinks, tonics, plus breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and even dressings with the meals you’d expect to find them. My favorites included the carrot ginger soup, sweet potato hash, and the passion fruit hydrator. I actually had difficulty finishing the food, even though I maintained my typical workout routine. Some experts say you don’t need to “detox” because you have a liver that naturally does that. However, I like to point out that the typical person is stressed, sleep deprived, overfed, and nutrient deprived, so I like the idea of using something that essentially helps to reset your palette and system. Did I go back to drinking and some junk food as soon as the program was done? Yes. But I also started putting more effort into my meals again. Since the program’s completion, I’ve started juicing on my own, and I’m back to cooking instead of relying on takeout and heat-and-eat options from the store. The major con is that it’s expensive, and I don’t think healthy, organic food should be reserved for the wealthy. Still, if you want help resetting your mindset with food or some inspiration to eat better, the detox may be worth the splurge. Truly, it’s made me excited about eating well again. — Holly J Coley, Commerce Updates Editor
Best Juice Cleanse for Immunity: Factor Immunity and Gut Greens Juice + Energy and Tropical Beet Wellness Shots
Pros:
- Easy to add on with your typical meal subscription/delivery rather than making multiple orders
- Packed with turmeric, vitamin C, and zinc to help support your body’s immune system
- Bright colors and refreshing, smooth, sweet taste, per testing
- More affordable price point than some other juice-only companies
Cons:
- Factor is focused more on meal plans, so the juice variety is limited; only 4 flavors to choose from
Taste the rainbow! Factor isn’t just a keto-friendly meal subscription service; they have juices, too. And the variety of these flavors is not to miss: Apple Beet Ginger, Pineapple Turmeric Basil, Carrot Orange Ginger, and Apple Kale Wheatgrass. The colors are bright and vibrant, and reviewers say they taste as good as they look. Each is under 110 calories, which makes them a solid low-calorie option if you’re looking for something healthier to snack on. We tried Factor’s probiotic-packed immunity bundle and were pleasantly surprised by how well these blends stack up with some other juiceries.
New York Post Review: I’ve made my own green juices, splurged on fancy store-bought juices, and sipped favorites from popular juiceries like Raw Generation, but I was impressed with how much more I enjoyed the taste of Factor’s cold-pressed Immunity Bundle. They’re ready-to-drink, exceptionally refreshing, and the flavor combinations are delicious enough for non-juice-lovers to appreciate. You can truly taste every ingredient. Definitely on the sweeter side, which doesn’t hurt if you’re opposed to those more bitter veggie combos. My favorite had to be the Orange Mango Turmeric Immunity Juice, which is packed with turmeric, vitamin C, and zinc to help support your body’s immune system. Considering that they lack protein and are pretty low-calorie, I’d reserve them more as a supplement to any diet or a healthier, sweet treat after dinner. Definitely not a meal replacement, but delicious enough to curb your cravings and give you some energy. The Energy + Tropical Beet wellness shots blend ginger and beet, as well as 75 mg of caffeine from clean green coffee extract, for a smooth, sustained energy that helps kickstart my day. I actually enjoyed Factor’s drinks and shots so much that I would consider sticking to the subscription service, solely for the purpose of keeping these juices stocked in my fridge. — Miska Salemann, Commerce Writer/Reporter
Best Juice Cleanse for Bloating: Pressed Vacation Prep Pack
Pros:
- Incorporates ingredients like ginger and cayenne pepper, known for their digestive benefits and anti-inflammatory properties
- Includes over 2 billion CFUs of live cultures — ideal for gut health
- Stocked with antioxidants, supporting overall wellness and skin health.
- Special discounts are available for members who sign up with the Pressed VIP program
Cons:
- While not technically a juice-only cleanse, one week is still a long time to stick to any routine
- Lack of flavor variety
If a full juice cleanse feels too restrictive or impractical, the 7-Day Vacation Prep Pack from Pressed offers a gentler alternative. This bundle features two of Pressed’s best-sellers — the Simple Cleanse Juice and Hilma Wellness Shots — formulated to support gut health and reduce inflammation from the inside out. Packed with functional ingredients like cayenne pepper, ginger, and over 2 billion CFUs of live probiotics, it’s designed to help you feel lighter and more balanced. Just start each day with a Simple Cleanse Juice, and follow up with a Hilma Shot after breakfast or anytime before evening. It’s an easy, low-commitment way to boost your nutrition and feel your best before a vacation or special event, without overhauling your entire diet.
New York Post Review: I’m all for a juice cleanse that doesn’t feel like a traditional cleanse, and that’s exactly what the Vacation Prep Pack delivers. Rather than wiping out your meals and replacing them with juice, you can simply add these drinks to your normal diet. The packaging is sleek, straightforward, and clearly labeled, so you always know what you’re putting into your body. It includes two of Pressed’s best-sellers: the Simple Cleanse Juice and the Pressed x Hilma Wellness Shots. While you only get to try two flavors, I was pleasantly surprised by how good they tasted, especially considering that they’re packed with ingredients like lemon juice, spinach juice, and cayenne pepper. The Lemon Ginger Simple Cleanse was actually much milder than expected (with a slightly tangy aftertaste), and I began noticing that I felt less hungry in the mornings when I started my day with it. I would recommend shaking up the juices, as you can see, some pulp settles at the bottom of the bottle. The Wellness Shots were exptedly bitter and earthy, but not difficult to take, by any means. If you’re looking to boost your daily routine with some high-quality nutrients you might not normally get, this pack makes it easy. Seven days can feel like a long time to stick to any routine, but by the end of the week, I felt that it paid off — my stomach was a bit more settled, skin a touch clearer, and energy was up overall. I’d recommend Pressed for anyone who experiences bloating or inflammation. — Salemann
Best 3-Day Juice Cleanse: Suja Organic 3-Day Cleanse
Pros:
- A ton of flavors to choose from, plus immunity shots
- Very delicious taste, just like a normal fruit juice for some flavors
- Offers cleanses and just juices to add to your life
- Wellness messaging, as opposed to weight
Cons:
- Some flavors have higher amounts of sugar, juice, and calories, so pay attention to the labels if that matters to you.
Suja Organic specializes in cold-pressed, organic juices you can take on the go. Sold on Amazon, they sell both juices and shots, which are smaller and easier to add into any diet for a boost of nutrients. With their cleanses, they also offer a meal plan, grocery list, and mindfulness exercises curated by a Dietitian to support you throughout and after the cleanse.
New York Post Review: These juices really taste like juice, as opposed to a health drink or something you need to be forced to drink. The cold-pressed juices are all different, with varying amounts of juice percentage, calories and sugars depending on the flavor. Again, I added these to my normal diet, as opposed to only drinking juice, and felt that it was a super easy addition to my meals as a tasty drink or post-work pick-me-up when I felt my blood sugar dropping. The immunity shots were fun to take and tasted pretty great! The packaging is also super compelling, as it tells you exactly what is inside, plus the juice percentage on the back. The juices come cold, are made to keep in the fridge for five days, and are refreshing — do not expect the consistency of a smoothie with these. — Cannon
Best Juice Cleanse for Weight Loss: Remedy Organics Reset Program
Pros:
- A lot of protein, perfect as a meal replacement for some or a great addition for those who need more protein in their diets
- Sophisticated flavors that are easy to incorporate into breakfasts and other meals, plus they’re keto-friendly, dairy-free, and gluten-free
- Contains a prebiotic, recommended by our expert
- Easy-to-read packaging with protein content and ingredients front and center
Cons:
- A bit of a chalky consistency, as these are more along the lines of a protein shake than a juice cleanse
Want a remedy for when you open your fridge and nothing healthy is ready to grab and go? Try Remedy Organics. The brand is also available on Amazon and has a variety of wellness shakes, Keto shakes, immunity shots, and more to stock your fridge with. They also have a full three-day holistic cleanse called the “Reset Program”, coming with 18 wellness shakes and 12 immunity shots, all made with 100% plant-based ingredients.
New York Post Review: Oh how fun it was to switch to a shake! Even though this isn’t a juice, it was still a cleanse and so I felt it fits the bill for the sake of this article. The shakes came on ice, and were then stored in the fridge until I was ready to drink. My two favorites were the more breakfast-y flavors anyway, and so enjoying the Matcha Fuel and the Super Chai Fuel in the morning instead of my coffee was an easy swap that left me feeling full and ready for the day — plus they both have 12 grams of protein and prebiotics, too! — Cannon
Best Tasting Juice Cleanse: Good Stuff 5-Day Summer Slim Juice Cleanse
Pros:
- Options for a three- or five-day cleanse to fit your schedule
- Very yummy taste — fresh fruits and citrus are extremely potent
- Great array of flavors that make it easy to incorporate into everyday life
- Packaging includes ingredients that are easy to read and understand
Cons:
- Kept frozen, so you need to remember to thaw first and then drink within 24 hours of being thawed
- Some weight-focused language that may be triggering to some
We got the good stuff. Good Stuff Juices is also sold on Amazon, shipping to your door and ready to pop in the freezer until ready to drink. They sell both a three-day and a five-day cleanse package, but you can stock up and sip your juices whenever you feel the craving for cold-pressed and organic fruits and veggies. The brand also has an option to build your own box — there is a wide variety to choose from for your specific lifestyle and goals.
New York Post Review: These flavors are amazing! That was my first thought when unboxing the juices (and sticking them directly in the freezer — note: you need to drink these within 24 hours of being thawed, so this does take some planning!) They included some of my favorite fruits like pear, watermelon, and even grapefruit, so I knew these would be great. Again, I only added these to my diet instead of doing a full cleanse, but since they taste delicious, it was easy to add them to my meals as my drink, replacing soda and other artificial beverages for me. The Mint Melon flavor was my favorite, reminding me of a summer day, but all the flavors are truly fresh and taste just like the ingredients labeled on the front of each bottle. Although there was some weight-focused language, Good Stuff Juices is mostly wellness-focused, which I found a major pro. — Cannon
Best Juice Cleanses FAQ
The Post consulted registered dietitian Mia Syn, MS, RDN, to learn the pros and cons of juice cleansing, the dos and don’ts of a cleanse, and how to detox responsibly. Spoiler alert — this is not the best way for healthy or sustainable weight loss.
What is a juice cleanse?
A juice cleanse can be all-in or gradual, with juices being consumed between small meals throughout the day. The base is typically fruit and vegetable juice blends, packed with leafy greens like kale and spinach, and other nutrient-dense foods like carrots, beets, green apples, lemons, and more.
RELATED: Best green powders, per our review
The purpose for many is to “detox” the body by flushing out any processed foods, only introducing raw and organic fruits and veggies for the duration of the cleanse. In many cases, that is why you are permitted to snack on specific foods in non-juice form if you get hungry, which also helps if you have a need to chew.
The purpose of a cleanse should not be to lose weight, as this type of calorie deficit is not sustainable and can lead to poor nutrition and eating habits. That is also why it is only recommended to do a cleanse for a few days at most, following the proper before- and after-care listed below.
How should I prepare my body before a cleanse?
Even though you may miss your cheeseburgers for a bit, eating a huge meal before starting a cleanse isn’t a great idea.
“To make a cleanse less of a shock to the body, you can start easing in by adjusting
your diet accordingly. Eliminate or reduce stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, foods high in sugar and fat, as well as refined carbohydrates,” said Syn.
What should I do after the cleanse is over?
Similarly, ending a cleanse isn’t the end of your health journey either, should you want the feel-good effects to actually last. While continuing to avoid alcohol and caffeine, Syn listed some additional tips for coming out of the cleanse, too.
“After a cleanse, focus on nutritious whole foods such as the same fruits and vegetables
in their whole form, whole grains, and lean proteins,” said Syn. “Avoid foods that are high in fat or added sugar. As you reintroduce foods, continue to stay hydrated.”
Are juice cleanses actually good for you?
Juicing can have health benefits, as well as health risks. For those who are trying to eat healthy or boost nutrition, a short juice cleanse may give the digestive system a much-needed break. However, some can be high in sugar and lacking in key nutrients, so it’s important to read the nutritional label when selecting one.
A person also runs the risk of not getting an appropriate amount of calories when juice cleansing. Making plans to eat small meals with healthy fats, carbs, and proteins, as Syn advises, along with juicing, is likely to be better for your overall health.
If you’re interested in losing weight or are seeking to address serious health concerns with a juice cleanse, speak to your medical physician first. They will be able to tailor a program specific to your needs and offer the proper recommendations and resources.
Are there any safety concerns in doing a juice cleanse?
As with any change to your diet or restrictive eating, the first thing to note is whether you are physically and mentally healthy enough to participate. Those who aim to lose weight quickly or replace food entirely should not try a juice cleanse, as it can be a slippery slope to disordered eating. Also, for those who are pregnant, nursing, underweight, or those with any health conditions, a trip to the doctor or nutritionist is advised before altering your diet.
“The low calorie and low protein content of juice can also cause low blood sugar, leading to headaches and dizziness,” warned Syn. “Also, important to note — typically when the body is restricted of calories, they are regained, so a juice cleanse is not a sustainable eating pattern for someone seeking weight loss.”
Another concern is duration. Syn suggests no more than three days, and to make sure to listen to your body and eat whole foods when needed at any point.
Can juicing help you lose weight?
Although there is some evidence that a 3-day juice cleanse can lead to dropping the pounds (mainly because of the shift in gut bacteria), you’ll miss out on vital macronutrients, such as protein, as well as fiber. It’s not, especially if you’re after long-lasting, sustainable weight loss.
According to the CDC, maintaining a healthy weight is mostly about lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly, reducing stress, and making dietary choices based on your body’s specific needs.
While there are definitely juice cleanses that may support your weight loss goals (we liked Remedy Organics because the wellness shakes have substantial protein and healthy fat), you can — and should — chew real food while trimming down.
Are juice cleanses actually worth it?
For those seeking to give their digestive system a rest or incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet, a juice cleanse can be worth it. Along with being quick and easy, they provide a way to increase your consumption of vitamins and minerals.
It’s important to note that juice cleanses are not a substitute for solid food. Those who are looking to lose weight or make significant changes to their diet or lifestyle should seek the advice of a physician
How We Tested
To review the best juice cleanses, our team considered several factors, including nutrition, flavor and variety, delivery and packaging, and overall value. Rather than committing to a total cleanse, we tested these cleanses over a few weeks, incorporating them into our diets alongside other meals and snacks.
- Nutrition: With any health routine, it’s important to consider your unique nutrient needs based on your body composition and goals. While evaluating the best juice cleanses, we checked to see which cleanses used fresh, organic, and natural ingredients without added sugars or preservatives. We also considered adding vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and calorie count to ensure your body is getting what it needs to thrive.
- Flavor and variety: Everyone has their preferences for flavor, so while evaluating the best juice cleanses, we looked for a diversity of flavors and combinations, making note on their profiles: sweet, smooth, spicy, fruity, earthy, or bitter. Texture is also important, so we also considered the consistency and whether any pulp was present to ensure an enjoyable drinking experience.
- Delivery and packaging: A seamless delivery is very important, as the quality of the juice often depends on its temperature upon arrival. Cold pressing reduces heat exposure, which can damage or destroy heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamins. We checked to make sure the juices arrived fresh, cold, and intact, and examined the packaging to test if it was sturdy, eco-friendly, and BPA-free.
- Overall value: Juice cleanses and detox programs are not cheap. We reviewed some that cost upwards of $400. In order to help people find the right cleanse for them, we considered the quantity and quality of the juices (as well as other snacks) provided in each cleanse package.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.