The #1 Anti-Inflammatory Drink to Buy at Trader Joe's, According to a Dietitian

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many health woes and diseases. One of the tools in our anti inflammatory toolkit is diet. That includes anti-inflammatory foods and drinks. Water is great, but if you’re looking for something with more punch, there are other beverages that can help you reach your hydration goals and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

Trader Joe’s is well-known for offering a wide range of unique products. We’re a fan of their healthy snack options, but it’s also worth perusing the beverage aisle next time you're stocking up on groceries. Sure, they have fun sparkling waters, kombuchas and more, but they also have drinks that are both tasty and inflammation-fighting. While there were many contenders for the top anti-inflammatory drink at Trader Joe’s, their Organic Carrot Turmeric Juice Blend was our top pick. 

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Carrot Turmeric Juice Blend

This carrot juice blend includes anti-inflammatory superstars like carrots and turmeric. The primary anti-inflammatory compound in carrots is beta carotene—the same compound that provides carrots with their bright orange color. Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that our body converts into vitamin A, which supports a robust immune system in combating excess inflammation. In addition, carrots also contain zeaxanthin and lutein. Research has linked these two compounds with a lower risk of cancer because they can defend against the cell damage caused by free radicals, which, when left unchecked, ramp up inflammation.

This bright juice blend also contains turmeric, a plant that’s long been studied for its potential health benefits. This orange-hued spice contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has found that when people took turmeric supplements, they had significantly lower levels of common markers of inflammation.

One caveat to the benefits of curcumin is that it is poorly absorbed. However, you can enhance absorption by pairing turmeric with black pepper. Trader Joe's has you covered, since this juice also contains black pepper to ensure you get the maximum benefits of the turmeric.

In addition to the powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients in Trader Joe’s organic carrot turmeric juice, this blend also contains no added sugars. The total sugar content is impressively low, with just 6 grams of sugar in each 8-ounce glass. Reaching for beverages without added sugar is important, since excess added sugar intake is linked with inflammation.

What to Look For in an Anti-Inflammatory Drink

As you walk down the grocery aisle looking for something new to sip on, keep these guidelines in mind:

Look for a Drink Rich in Antioxidants

Inflammation can occur when there’s an ongoing imbalance between excess free radicals and not enough antioxidants to neutralize these harmful compounds. Beyond just adding antioxidant-rich foods to your plate, you can level up your hydration by choosing beverages that provide antioxidants, like fruit or vegetable juice or green tea. Fruits (and fruit juices), for example, contain an array of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids and more.

Aim for Little-to-No Added Sugars

The biggest contributor of added sugars in most of our diets is sugar-sweetened beverages. In fact, for the average U.S. adult, added sugars contribute an extra 226 calories per day but very few beneficial nutrients. In addition to adding extra calories to your overall diet, excess added sugar intake is a contributing factor for chronic inflammation.

So when you are trying to stay hydrated, reach for no-added-sugar beverages or choose those with only a few grams of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends added sugars be limited to 9 teaspoons a day for men (36 grams) and 6 teaspoons a day for women (25 grams). When deciding if a drink fits into your day, keep these guidelines in mind.

Skip the Alcohol

Alcohol is a regular part of many of our lives, whether it’s sipping on a glass of wine after a stressful day or catching up with friends at happy hour. While drinking in moderation can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, drinking in excess can increase inflammation. 

When the body breaks down alcohol, it produces pro-inflammatory compounds like cytokines and reactive oxygen species (or free radicals). So regular drinking, especially in excess, means your body has to work harder to overcome the inflammatory effects of the alcohol. Not only that, alcohol intake can negatively impact gut health, triggering increased inflammation. Alcohol can impair the integrity of the intestinal barrier as well as change the composition of the microbiome by increasing the number of harmful bacteria. If you drink, do so in moderation. 

The Bottom Line

Don’t overlook the potential benefits of optimizing your hydration game with a lineup of beverages that provide anti-inflammatory nutrients. When you’re looking for something unique to sip on, you can likely find it at Trader Joe’s. While they offer a wide range of juices, sparkling waters, coffee, tea and more, our top pick for a beverage that will tackle inflammation—and tickle your tastebuds—is their Organic Carrot Turmeric Juice Blend. Naturally sweet from the carrots and with a bit of a kick from the turmeric, black pepper and cayenne, there is a lot to love about this juice option.