When shopping, customers tend to gravitate to their favourite pantry staples—products that are tried and tested over time.

Have you ever picked up a bottle of your go-to product, only to find that it looks a bit different from the last one you bought?

Well, you're not alone in your bewilderment, and there's an explanation for this conundrum.


A curious customer recently took to social media to share two two-litre bottles of Woolworths' Apple and Mango fruit juice.

Side by side, the bottles showed a striking difference in colour.

One of the bottles showed a drink with a reddish tone.

Meanwhile, another bottle of the same product showed a bright yellow beverage.


'Why so different? Not expired. I've noticed this a few times when purchasing this juice. Purchased from the same store,' the customer asked.

The post sparked a flurry of speculation among shoppers online.

'Could it be the difference in using green (cloudy apple juice) in the lighter one and other red apples in the darker one?' one speculated.

'It might not taste different because of the mango and sugar.'


'Flip it around and read the label?' another suggested.

'Quite a few Woolworths products have two suppliers or are from two different countries, so they look or taste different from each other.'

The conversation continued with observations and theories.

'Oxidation of the concentrate,' another pointed out.

'Phenolics break down and create the brown pigment. Which is better? Well, that vibrant orange hue on the second bottle is created with extra colouring additives, which is so much of a muchness.'

Meanwhile, another shopper found the variation reassuring.

'Makes me believe there's less shenanigans going on with the processing,' they pointed out.

'Think about how many different types of apples there are and how many different types of mangoes there are,' they pointed out.


The diversity among fruit has been part of the charm and authenticity of fresh produce, which may carry over to juices.

To clear up the confusion, a Woolworths spokesperson provided an official explanation about the photos.

'Just as seasonal variation can cause fruit itself to vary in colour, it can also cause variation in fruit juice concentrate,' the spokesperson stated.

This statement confirmed that the differences in colour were due to the natural characteristics of the fruit used in the juice.

Both juices met Woolworths' strict quality specifications for products like juice despite their different appearances.

This variation was seen as a testament to the natural ingredients in some of Australians' favourite beverages.

So, if you notice your fruit juice looking a little different, take it as a sign that you're enjoying a product made with genuine, seasonal fruit.
Have you experienced something similar with your grocery items? Do you prefer products that show their natural colours, or do you lean towards consistency in appearance? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!