Frequently Asked Questions
PRODUCTS
Where can I purchase your products?
Ocean Spray® products can be found in grocery, convenience, drug and club stores throughout the world, as well as on various online retailers. If you don't see one of our products on your grocer’s shelves, please ask the store manager so they can order and stock it for your convenience. Don’t forget to try our store locator here.
Where can I find Craisins® Dried Cranberries?
Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries are nationally distributed and can be found in the dried fruit, produce or baking aisles of grocery stores. Larger packages of Craisins® Dried Cranberries can be found at mass merchant and club stores. Choose your favorite Craisins® product and use our store locator to find out where to buy them.
Why can't I find Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries all year?
Fresh cranberries have a limited harvest season in the fall, so typically you’ll see our fresh cranberries filling the produce section at your local supermarket during that peak harvest season from early October through December. Cranberries may be frozen for up to a year, so we suggest that you stock up on extra cranberries around Thanksgiving to use throughout the year!
Are Ocean Spray juices pasteurized?
Yes, we pasteurize all our juice products to ensure that they are safe for consumers. This heating process eliminates the possibility of harmful bacteria. Incidentally, we have added the word "pasteurized" to our labels. Please remember to refrigerate juices after opening to maintain their freshness.
What do the words "from concentrate" mean on the label?
Our products are produced by using juices from concentrate. At harvest time, the juice from the fruit is concentrated, a process that removes the water. Then, during the juice manufacturing process, water is added along with the juice concentrate.
Do your 100% juices have added sugar?
Our 100% Juices do not have any added sugar; these products are naturally sweet with a blend of juices that help to enhance the main flavor of the product. The grams of sugar shown on the label come from fructose and glucose naturally occurring in the fruit juices used to make the product. All ingredients are listed in the ingredients statement on the product label.
If I have diabetes, can I drink your juices?
Ocean Spray® Diet and Light Juice Drinks may be appropriate for people with diabetes. If you have a very strict diet, we suggest you consult your physician for his or her recommendation.
Our Light juice drinks offer a delicious, low-calorie and low-carb option for those with diabetes who don't want to sacrifice taste when incorporating more healthful beverages into their diets. Ocean Spray® Light Juice Drinks have just 50 calories and 11- 13 grams of carbs per 8 FL OZ serving.
We also offer a super refreshing line of Diet beverages which contain 5 little calories per 8 FL OZ serving plus an excellent source of vitamin C.
My doctor suggests I use cranberry for urinary tract health. But which products should I buy?
The following Ocean Spray® products contain cranberry health benefits:
- One eight-ounce glass of the following juice drinks:
- Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- Ocean Spray® 100% Juice Cranberry
- Ocean Spray® Light Cranberry Juice Drink
- Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Calcium
- Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Lime
- Ocean Spray® Organic Cranberry Juice
- 1/4 cup of Ocean Spray® fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup of Ocean Spray® Craisins® original dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of Ocean Spray® cranberry sauce
How much caffeine is in your CranEnergy™ Juice Drinks?
The tea selected for this product is a special blend of green teas. This blend was selected specifically to complement our natural fruit juices. Because tea naturally contains caffeine each 10 FL OZ serving of CranEnergy™ Juice Drink contains 69 mg of caffeine.
What are natural flavors?
Our natural flavors are products which contain flavoring constituents derived from specific plant species and which are generally recognized as safe by the FDA or listed in a published industry list such as FEMA GRAS listing. We use only naturally derived flavors. No monosodium glutamate (MSG), protein hydrolysates, or animal product extracts are used in the Ocean Spray® flavoring. We recover many of the essences lost in the concentration process and add them back into the product.
Do Ocean Spray® products contain gluten?
The protein gluten found in certain grains (wheat, barley, rye and oats or hybrids of these) is a concern for those with Celiac Disease. Based on documentation from our ingredient suppliers and facility of manufacture audit information in addition to analytical testing, Craisins® Dried Cranberries and sauces, are free from this type of gluten. Craisins® Trail Mixes, Craisins® Fruit Clusters, Craisins® Chocolate Covered Dried Cranberries and Craisins® Greek Yogurt Covered Dried Cranberries may contain gluten. If you have a particularly acute sensitivity to gluten in foods, we suggest you consult your physician for his or her recommendation.
Are your products Kosher?
The following products from Ocean Spray® Cranberries, Inc. have been certified by Rabbi J.H. Ralbag, /225 W. 86th St. New York, NY 10024, as being absolutely free of any forbidden substances and bear the “Triangle K” KOSHER identification:
- Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail (exception 4oz “No Thaw” and 124ml Tetra Package)
- Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Calcium
- Ocean Spray® Diet Cranberry Juice Drink (exception 4oz “No Thaw” and 124ml Tetra Package)
- Ocean Spray® Cran-Apple™ Cranberry Apple Juice Drink
- Ocean Spray® Cran-Strawberry® Cranberry Strawberry Juice Drink
- Ocean Spray® Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice Drink (US/Canada) (for Food Service 60oz Only)
- Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
- Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
- Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries
- Cranberry + Health (exception 125ml Tetra Pack)
- 100% Apple Juice from Concentrate (exception 4oz “No Thaw” AND 125ml Tetra Pack)
- 100% Orange Juice from Concentrate (4oz “No Thaw” AND 125ml Tetra Pack only)
The following products from Ocean Spray® Cranberries, Inc. have been certified by the Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union, and bear the “OU” KOSHER identification
- Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries, all flavors (including Chocolate Covered and Greek Yogurt Covered)
- 100% Apple Juice from Concentrate (4oz “No Thaw” AND 125ml Tetra Pack only)
- 100% Orange Juice from Concentrate (4oz “No Thaw” AND 125ml Tetra Pack only)
- Cranberry Juice Cocktail (4oz “No Thaw” AND 125ml Tetra Pack only)
- Diet Cranberry Juice Drink (4oz “No Thaw” AND 125ml Tetra Pack only)
- Cranberry + Health (125ml Tetra Pack only)
Does grapefruit juice interact with prescription medications?
While some prescription medications may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juices, most do not. While more research in the area of grapefruit and drug interaction is underway, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist with any questions about prescription medications and your health. More general information on grapefruit and drug interaction is available at the Florida Department of Citrus' website.
PACKAGING
Are your packages recyclable?
Ocean Spray is dedicated to reducing waste and ensuring our packaging is recyclable and sustainable. The majority of Ocean Spray® products are packaged using recyclable PET (# 1) plastic juice containers that can be recycled through most national recycling programs and municipalities. In fact 96% of our existing packaging by weight is already recyclable, including most of our plastic, paper, and metal products.
Ocean Spray is also a member of How2Recycle®, a coalition that developed the first standardized labeling system for recycling in North America. In 2018 we began actively applying the standardized labels to inform consumers on how to properly recycle our product packaging. The labels offer clear instructions and are being applied directly on the packaging on all of our products.
We have hundreds of products and multiple combinations of packaging so please follow the recycling instructions on your specific product. If your product does not yet have a How2Recycle® label the table below gives a brief overview of material and recyclability instructions for popular product categories. If you have questions about your area’s recycling capabilities, please contact your local recycling or municipal provider for more information.
I am having difficulty opening the caps to your juices. Do you have a suggestion?
If you purchase a bottle that you find difficult to open, we suggest running the cap area under hot water for about one minute. This will usually soften the seal enough for you to open it. If this is not sufficient, please contact us at 1-800-662-3263 before trying other ways to open the bottle.
Do your bottles contain BPA?
Food safety and quality are our top priority at Ocean Spray. Ocean Spray plastic (PET or PP) juice bottles do not contain Bisphenol-A (more commonly known as BPA).
Please be assured that Ocean Spray takes our responsibility to protect our consumers very seriously, and the health and safety of our products is of utmost concern. In addition, all Ocean Spray packaging processes meet current FDA regulations.
RECIPES
Where can I find Ocean Spray recipes?
We have a whole selection of recipes right here on our website. If you have any feedback or suggestions for new recipes, feel free to use our email contact form to let us know!
Can I prepare a cranberry bread recipe and bake it as muffins instead (or vice versa)?
Yes. A bread recipe will yield approximately 1 dozen muffins, depending on the size of the individual muffins. Use the same oven temperature as indicated in the recipe for baking bread, but reduce your baking time to 25 - 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.
How do I prepare Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries for cooking?
First, sort out any soft berries and stems. Rinse berries in cold water, drain well and use as the recipe directs. There are three cups of cranberries in a 12 oz. bag of Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before using. Your recipe should specify whether to use chopped cranberries or not. If it doesn't, be sure to measure your cranberries before chopping them. Follow this guide:
If the recipe says to use "1 cup chopped cranberries" chop the cranberries first, then measure them.
If the recipe says to use "1 cup cranberries, chopped" measure the cranberries first, then chop them.
Can I substitute Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries for fresh or frozen cranberries?
Yes, Craisins® Dried Cranberries work well in baked goods; however, there is a 1/4 cup difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries you should use 3/4 cup of Craisins® Dried Cranberries. Craisins® Dried Cranberries should not be used in cooked sauces. Since they are a dried fruit, they do not contain the pectin necessary for the sauce to gel.
Do I need to soak or "plump" Craisins® Dried Cranberries before using in baked recipes?
No. Craisins® Dried Cranberries can be used right out of the bag. You can substitute Craisins® Dried Cranberries for fresh or frozen cranberries. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use 3/4 cup of Craisins® Dried Cranberries.
Why won’t my cranberry sauce gel?
Boiling is critical to release pectin, the key gelling ingredient, from the cranberry. You must cook the sauce for at least 10 minutes at a full boil for the pectin to react with the sugar and create the proper gelled texture. It is also important to let the cranberry sauce cool at room temperature. Moving it to the refrigerator too soon may also affect the gel.
If you have followed these instructions, and for some reason the sauce still won’t gel, add 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin to the sauce and bring to a hard boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
Can I double the recipe to make more than one batch of cranberry sauce at a time?
We don’t recommend doubling the recipe. There are too many variables, including cooking time, temperature, and pan size, that may affect the sauce’s ability to gel. Instead, we recommend you make the same recipe twice.
Can I use less sugar in my cranberry sauce?
Yes, but your finished product will not be as firm as if it were made with the full amount of sugar. A firm gel depends on bonds with water, sugar and pectin. If you’re interested in a lower sugar recipe, try our recipe for Low Calorie Cranberry Sauce.
STORAGE
How should I store products after they've been opened?
- Juices and Juice Drinks
- Ocean Spray juice products must be capped tightly and refrigerated after opening. While we cannot say exactly how long our juice products will stay fresh after opening, in general they may be kept refrigerated for two to three weeks.
- Craisins® Dried Cranberries
- Craisins® Dried Cranberries should be tightly sealed in their original package and stored in a pantry or cupboard at room temperature or frozen for one year in a freezer bag. For optimum quality, please use by the "Best By" date stamped on the back of the package in the bottom right hand corner.
- Fresh Cranberries
- Fresh cranberries should be stored in the refrigerator in their original plastic bag for up to a month. We suggest freezing them if you are not going to use them during that time frame. Cranberries freeze nicely, in their original package, and last up to one year.
- Jellied or Whole Berry Sauce
- Prior to opening, cranberry sauce can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled. After opening, remove from the can and store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. We do not recommend freezing cranberry sauce, as after thawing, it may become too watery.
How do I read the product codes?
Our juices have a “Best Before” date code. You can find this stamped on the top of our caps or on the bottom of our single serve cans. Here are examples of what it might look like:
BEST BEFORE 31DEC15 / H4186CJ213:26
And here’s what it means: 31 = Day of the month DEC = Month of the year (December) 15 = Year (2015) H = Plant 4 = Year produced 186 = Julian Date CJ = Product (Cranberry Juice) 2 = Line 1326 = Military time
BEST BEFORE 31DEC15 / CT8811420CJ1
And here’s what it means: 31 = Day of the month DEC = Month of the year (December) 15 = Year (2015) CT881 = Plant 1420 = Military time CJ = Product (Cranberry Juice) 1 = Line
Our Craisins® Dried Cranberries have a "Best If Used By" date code. Here's an example of what it might look like:
Best by DEC3115T22006 And here's what it means: DEC = Month of the year (December) 31 = Day of the month 15= Year (2015) T = Production facility 2 = Production line 2006 = Military Time
Our sauce products have a "Best Before" date code. Here's an example of what it might look like:
31DEC15/ 1KJ1622 And here's what it means: 31 = Day of the month DEC = Month of the year (December) 15 = Year (2015) 1 = Line K = Production facility J = Product (Jellied Cranberry Sauce) 1622= Military time
TOURS
Does your company offer any tours?
Unfortunately Ocean Spray® does not offer tours to the general public. Flax Pond Farms in Carver, MA handles tours in the area during the fall season. You may visit their website at www.flaxpondfarms.com.
Headquartered in Wareham, MA the A.D. Makepeace Company offers year around tours of their cranberry farm. During the harvest season, tours of the wet harvest operation are offered for groups and individuals. To find out more visit: www.admakepeace.com.
You can learn more about other fall harvest festivals by visiting www.cranberries.org/festival. For festivals in the state of Wisconsin, please visit www.wiscran.org and for New Jersey festivals you can go to www.cranfest.org.
HOLIDAYS
Help! I’m not ready for the holidays!
Take time now to think about the busy holiday season ahead. Make a master "to do" list to take you through the holiday season (gifts, greeting cards, decorating, entertaining). Having a plan will help you breathe easier and enable you to savor the holiday.
Think of things that can double up between the two holidays, such as decorating, making extra pies to freeze, keeping plenty of heavy-duty dinner napkins on hand, stocking up on aluminum foil, baking supplies, cranberries, etc.
How much food do I serve?
Planning ahead is the best way to cook for a crowd. Use our serving calculator to help plan quantities to feed your guests (and still have some leftovers if you want them).
Take into consideration the age and appetite of your guests, and how many leftovers you’re planning on.
When serving a crowd, use your imagination for serving bigger-than-life quantities. That big roaster you use only for ham can hold a lot of salad. A clean, new plastic bucket can hold punch or rolls.
How big of a bird do I need?
Click here to access our serving calculator. You’ll learn how big your turkey should be, how many appetizers and sides to prepare whether you’re serving 4, or 24.
If a lot of people are coming, I can just double or triple my recipes, can’t I?
Not all recipes are easy to double or triple. A better approach is to make the same dish twice. Keep a duplicate dish in reserve so as you run out of one, you can substitute a fresh dish on the buffet or table. Or vary the selection by making two different kinds of stuffing or several side dishes. Keep in mind that the more different dishes you serve, the smaller the serving portions.
Where am I going to put all these people?
Go casual and serve dinner buffet style. A buffet is friendly and informal and encourages more mingling and mixing than when guests are stuck in one spot at a table.
Set up extra seating throughout the house where guests can sit comfortably pre- and post- dinner.
Borrow or rent extra chairs, if necessary. Nice, clean patio furniture can provide extra seating in a pinch.
A folding or card table provides additional space for eating or as a buffet. Once it is dressed in a long tablecloth, your guests won’t know the difference.
If you live in a part of the country that’s nice and warm in November, don’t overlook a porch, patio or deck. A festive holiday gathering outside is great especially if you’re grilling the turkey.
Is it OK to ask my guests to bring something?
The happy holiday host shares the cooking and cleaning. Just about everyone likes to help, so don’t feel guilty about taking someone up on their offer to help out. Assign dishes (a side dish, dessert or baked item) to good cooks on your guest list.
Guests like to bring something to a gathering; it makes them feel included. What’s the first thing most people ask: “What can I bring?” Take them up on their offer! Ask guests that like to cook to bring one of their specialties, or to bring some nice bread, a bottle of wine, rolls, a pie or an easy appetizer.
Assign clean up tasks to willing volunteers like wrapping up leftovers, doing the dishes, refreshing cocktails or even gathering and taking out the trash. List non-cooks on the clean-up crew and have specific tasks for everyone, including the kids.
Should I add more menu items if I’m adding more guests?
For an expandable menu that’s pleasing to both eye and palate, it’s smart to add dishes if you’re adding guests. Just make sure you have enough of the old favorites. Click here to use our handy Serving Calculator to determine the proper amounts.
If serving a large number of people, consider serving a turkey and a ham for variety, or instead of one large turkey, roast a full turkey and a turkey breast.
I’m running out of ideas. How can I make my menu a little more exciting?
Start your menu plan with time-honored favorite dishes your family won’t do without (like stuffing and potatoes), then supplement it with some fresh ideas.
Check out our menu suggestions for delicious complete menus that include convenient grocery shopping lists.
Can I make my cranberry sauce ahead of time and freeze it?
We normally don’t suggest freezing cranberry sauce. After thawing, it may become too watery.
We do suggest making sauce ahead of time and storing it in an air-tight container in your refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week.
How will I fit everything into the oven?
Think of dishes that can be cooked or kept warm in the slow cooker (green beans, corn, potatoes, gravy, hot apple cider). Consider using warming trays or chafing dishes.
Light up the grill! Use the charcoal grill to cook the turkey, freeing up oven space. Or set the gas grill to low to reheat premade dishes.
Select dishes that can be heated at the same oven temperature (for example, baked goods or roasted vegetables/stuffing) to maximize efficiency.
Choose oven-to-table cooking and serving containers and measure to make sure all will fit in the oven.
Plan some side dishes that can be served cold or at room temperature and don’t need to be piping hot (like salads, olives, cranberry sauce and marinated vegetables).
Some dishes can be cooked and reheated or partially-cooked and “finished” right before serving.
You’ll want to let the turkey “rest” for at least 30 minutes before carving, so that’s your chance to reheat stuffing, vegetables, pie or rolls.
My refrigerator is bursting at the seams!
Use coolers or, temperature permitting, the screened-in back porch or garage for keeping some dishes chilled before serving (vegetables and vegetable dishes without dairy products, molded salads, homemade cranberry sauce/relish and marinated vegetables).
Use large plastic coolers, tubs or buckets to ice down sodas and wine. Serve party punch in a bowl or drink dispenser with a large ice ring or serve warm punch or wassail in coffee carafes.
Think about investing in a second (perhaps used) refrigerator for the basement or garage. It will pay for itself in convenience through the holiday season and throughout the year!
Help! My turkey is always so dry.
The key to delicious turkey is to avoid over cooking. Calculate the approximate cooking time based on the size of your bird. (For example, an unstuffed 8 to 12 pound turkey will take approximately 2 3/4 to 3 hours in a 325°F oven; see chart below.) Use a meat thermometer to ensure the proper internal temperature. Insert meat thermometer into the thickest part of the inner thigh (do not let thermometer touch bone) and roast until thermometer reaches 180°F. Remove turkey from oven and let stand at least 20 minutes to let juices settle in the meat before carving.
For a very tasty and juicy bird, consider brining. Soaking poultry in seasoned, salted broth infuses the meat with delicious flavor and moisture. Our White Cranberry Brined Turkey combines White Cranberry Juice Drink, salt and herbs in a unique brine for prepping the turkey prior to roasting.
Everyone gathers in the kitchen. How do I control traffic?
People love to be in the kitchen, so let them lend a helping hand. Have kids help set the table or make place cards. Have adults pour drinks, mix cocktails or pass appetizers.
To help move people out of the kitchen, set up board and card games (or coloring books) in another room.
Gather kids in one space to do a cranberry craft.
Light a fire and move some chairs adjacent to the fireplace—it’s sure to be a people-magnet.
Have someone pick up and pass the appetizers, out of the kitchen. People will usually move to where the food is.
Encourage everyone to take a walk around the neighborhood after dinner. This is a great way to move around after a heavy meal and gets everyone ready for dessert. This also clears the house out so you can clean up. Better yet, leave the mess (have the teenagers begin to clear and wash dishes) and go on a walk yourself. You deserve time out of the kitchen, too.
What can I do? We can’t all be together this year.
Remember absent and distant loved ones with a phone call or video conference. Pass the phone around at a prearranged time.
Take photos to send to distant loved ones.
Send a care package. For a faraway friend or loved one, Cranberry Nut Bars and Cranberry Shortbread Cookies hold up nicely when shipped or brought along on a trip. Package in a decorative tin, separating stacks of cookies with paper baking cups.
I always end up with so much leftover food. How can I get it just right?
Take into consideration the age and appetite of your guests and how many leftovers you’re willing to store. And remember, the more dishes you serve, the smaller portions you should plan, and remind everyone to save room for dessert. Use our handy Serving Calculator to determine the right amounts for your number of guests. And if you really count on leftovers, roast an extra turkey or turkey breast to have plenty of sandwich fixings or make extra of any dish your family loves as leftovers.
What am I going to do with all these leftovers?
- Eat them
- Give them to guests
- Freeze them
Where can I buy Cran•Raspberry® Jellied Cranberry Raspberry Sauce and Cran•Fruit Cranberry Sauces?
Unfortunately we are no longer producing CRAN•FRUIT™ or Cran•Raspberry® Jellied Cranberry Raspberry Sauces. We’re sorry we don’t have better news!
You can make homemade versions of your favorite flavored versions though – learn how here.
Perfect Buffet Style
- Dress your buffet surface with an even layer of towels (they absorb heat, acting as a trivet and provide a cushion) and then a pretty, washable tablecloth on top.
- Make the traffic one-way, starting with the plates, followed with all the food choices, ending with utensils wrapped in a napkin.
- Provide oversized plates-10-11 inches, available at your local party store, or purchase inexpensive reusable china from a restaurant supply.
- Use a simple centerpiece, like a cranberry candle float or cranberry flower arrangement.
- Let the food be the star of your table; don't smother anything in fussy or elaborate garnishes. Don't serve foods so soupy that sauces run together.
- Keep it simple. Don't serve messy food that requires anything other than a fork to serve.
- Include dishes that can be self-served with one utensil, like a big spoon or fork.
- Create a separate beverage station away from the food buffet and dessert.
- Offer guests pre-buttered and heated bread or rolls, or interesting breads that need no butter.