I've been picking up Don Simon juice from the supermarket for years now, mostly because it just tastes like actual fruit rather than a weird, sugary chemistry experiment. If you've ever spent any time in Spain or even just browsed the international aisle in a UK grocery store, you've definitely seen those bright, recognizable cartons. It's one of those brands that feels like it's been around forever, and for good reason—it's reliable, it's affordable, and it actually hits the spot when you're thirsty.
Honestly, I think the first time I really noticed it was during a holiday in the south of Spain. Every breakfast buffet seemed to have these large carafes of orange juice that tasted incredibly fresh. When I peeked behind the counter, there were those iconic Don Simon boxes stacked high. Since then, it's become my go-to whenever I want something that feels a bit more "real" than the bargain-bin stuff but don't want to spend five pounds on a tiny bottle of artisanal squeezed nectar.
What makes it different from the rest?
You might be wondering why anyone would get excited about a carton of juice. It's just fruit in a box, right? Well, not exactly. The thing about Don Simon juice is that they were one of the first big brands to really push the "Not From Concentrate" (NFC) thing on a massive scale.
If you look at the back of most cheap juice cartons, you'll see words like "reconstituted." That basically means they took the juice, turned it into a thick syrup to ship it easily, and then added water back in later. It works, but it definitely loses some of that soul—the bright, zesty aroma you get from a fresh orange. Don Simon shifted the game by focusing on pressing the fruit and getting it into the carton as quickly as possible. They actually have their own massive groves in places like Huelva, Spain, which means the fruit doesn't have to travel halfway across the world before it even sees a juicer.
The orange juice debate: Pulp or no pulp?
We have to talk about the orange juice, because that's the flagship. It's the one that started it all back in the early 80s. I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to my morning glass of OJ. I like it to have a bit of weight to it, but I'm not trying to chew my drink, you know?
Don Simon seems to have found that sweet spot. Their 100% squeezed orange juice has this natural vibrancy that's hard to beat. It's not overly acidic, which is a big deal for me. There's nothing worse than a glass of juice that gives you instant heartburn before you've even finished your toast. This stuff is smooth, and if you get the version with the bits (the pulp), it actually feels like someone just squeezed it into the glass for you.
Why the packaging actually matters
I know, talking about cardboard boxes sounds boring, but hear me out. One thing I've always appreciated about this brand is their commitment to the environment before it was a trendy marketing buzzword. They use these "eco-friendly" cartons that are mostly plant-based and recyclable.
But even beyond the "save the planet" side of things, the packaging is just practical. The way the spout is designed means it doesn't do that annoying "glug-glug-splash" thing when you're trying to pour a glass while half-asleep. It's a small detail, but when you're dealing with a two-liter family pack, you don't want orange juice all over your kitchen counter.
Exploring the other flavors
While the orange juice gets all the glory, I've recently been branching out into their other flavors. If you haven't tried the Don Simon juice pineapple or peach versions, you're missing out.
The pineapple juice is a personal favorite for weekend brunches. It's got that tropical sweetness without being cloying. Sometimes I'll even use it as a base for smoothies. Toss in some frozen spinach, a bit of ginger, and a splash of Don Simon, and you've got a breakfast that makes you feel like you have your life together.
Then there's the "Juice & Milk" range, which I know sounds a bit weird to some people. It's very popular in Europe. It's a blend of fruit juice and a bit of skimmed milk, enriched with vitamins. It has this creamy, smoothie-like texture that kids absolutely love. It's a lifesaver for picky eaters who won't touch a piece of fruit but will happily guzzle down a carton of "tropical milk."
The secret ingredient for your summer parties
Here's a little pro tip: if you're planning on making a big batch of Sangria for a summer BBQ, don't waste your time squeezing thirty individual oranges. A carton of Don Simon is the ultimate shortcut.
Because it's not from concentrate, it has the body and flavor profile needed to stand up to the wine and brandy. I usually mix a liter of red wine, a splash of brandy, some chopped-up apples and citrus, and then top it off with a good amount of Don Simon juice. It's always a hit, and nobody ever guesses that half the work came out of a carton I bought for a couple of euros.
Is it actually healthy?
Let's be real for a second—juice isn't a miracle health drink. It still has natural sugars. But, if you're going to drink juice, you might as well drink the stuff that isn't packed with preservatives or added cane sugar.
That's what I like about the "100% Squeezed" range. What you see is what you get. No added sugar, no weird colorings, just the fruit. It's also loaded with Vitamin C, which we could all use a bit more of, especially during the winter months when everyone in the office is sneezing. It feels like a much better choice than reaching for a fizzy soda or those "fruit-flavored" drinks that are basically just dyed sugar water.
Value for the money
At the end of the day, a lot of it comes down to the price. I'm all for supporting local farmers and buying fancy bottled juices from the farmer's market, but my wallet isn't always on board with that plan.
Don Simon juice occupies that perfect middle ground. It's priced competitively with the supermarket's own-brand stuff, but the quality is significantly higher. You can tell they've invested in their production process. They boast about their "0 waste" policy at their plants, where they use the orange peels to create essential oils and even animal feed. Knowing that the company isn't just tossing half the fruit in the bin makes me feel a bit better about my purchase.
Final thoughts on my favorite fridge resident
If you haven't guessed by now, I'm a fan. Whether it's the classic orange for breakfast, the tropical blends for a midday pick-me-up, or using it as a mixer for a Friday night drink, it's just a solid choice.
It's one of those rare brands that manages to stay consistent. I know exactly what I'm getting every time I crack open a new carton. It's fresh, it's vibrant, and it tastes like sunshine—which, let's face it, is something we can all use a little more of. So, next time you're walking down the drinks aisle and you see that green or blue carton, give it a shot. Your breakfast (and your taste buds) will probably thank you.