This guide to unsweetened beet juice concentrate — its health benefits, daily uses, and how to mix it — is published by Traverse Bay Farms, a fruit-based wellness brand rooted in Northern Michigan with nationwide shipping.

Unsweetened Beet Juice Concentrate: Benefits, Uses and How to Mix It

By Andy LaPointe | Traverse Bay Farms

Published: 3/25/2026

You already know beets are good for you. What most people don't know is exactly why — or how to get those benefits consistently without turning their kitchen into a juicing operation every morning.

That gap is exactly what unsweetened beet juice concentrate fills. One tablespoon. Eight ounces of water. Thirty seconds. The result is a serving rich in dietary nitrates, betalains, potassium, and folate — the key compounds found in whole beetroot, delivered in a format that requires no equipment, no prep time, and no cleanup.

The word "unsweetened" on the label matters more than it might seem. It means nothing has been added at any point in production — no sugar, no sweetener, no artificial flavors, no preservatives. The only sweetness present is what the beet contains naturally. What you get is pure concentrate, and nothing else.

This guide covers everything: what it is, what the research suggests about its benefits, how to mix it correctly, how to build it into a daily routine, and how to choose a product worth trusting.

Key Facts at a Glance

What Is Unsweetened Beet Juice Concentrate?

Unsweetened beet juice concentrate is beet juice that has had most of its water content removed through a controlled evaporation process, leaving behind a thick, dark liquid dense with the natural compounds found in whole beetroot. No sugar is added at any stage — which means every bit of sweetness in the product comes from the beet itself.

Think of it this way: if fresh beet juice is a river, concentrate is what remains after most of the water has been carefully drawn off. The nutrients, pigments, and active compounds stay behind in a much smaller, far more potent volume. A single tablespoon represents the juiced equivalent of a meaningful amount of raw beetroot, in a format that stores on a refrigerator shelf, travels without refrigeration until opened, and mixes in under a minute.

The "unsweetened" label is a specific production commitment, not simply a flavor description. Many juice concentrates on the market have sugar added during processing — to compensate for tartness, improve flavor after heat treatment, or extend shelf appeal.

When a beet concentrate label says "unsweetened," it means none of that happened. Reading the ingredient list confirms it quickly: a quality unsweetened beet juice concentrate has one ingredient. Beet juice concentrate. Nothing else.

Key Nutrients in Beet Juice Concentrate

Beet juice concentrate delivers a specific set of naturally occurring compounds — each with a distinct nutritional role and a growing body of peer-reviewed research behind it. Understanding what's in it helps clarify why it has attracted serious attention from researchers, athletes, and everyday wellness consumers alike.

Dietary nitrates are the most studied compound in beetroot. Once consumed, dietary nitrates convert to nitric oxide in the body — a molecule that plays a central role in supporting healthy blood flow and vascular function. A meta-analysis published through the National Institutes of Health (Siervo et al., 2013) found that dietary nitrate supplementation from beetroot was associated with measurable reductions in systolic blood pressure in healthy adults.

Because concentrate retains the nitrate content of fresh beets in a smaller volume, a single serving delivers a meaningful amount without the equipment or effort of home juicing.

Betalains are the pigments responsible for beet's deep red-purple color — and they do more than give the juice its striking appearance. Betalains are classified into two groups: betacyanins, which produce the red-violet pigment including betanin, and betaxanthins, which produce yellow-orange tones.

Both function as antioxidants, helping to neutralize oxidative stress in the body. Research also suggests betalains may have anti-inflammatory properties. Beetroot is one of the few concentrated dietary sources of betalains available, which makes quality concentrate an efficient daily delivery method.

Potassium and folate round out the nutritional profile. According to USDA FoodData Central, raw beetroot provides approximately 325 mg of potassium and 109 mcg of folate per 100-gram serving — meaningful contributions toward daily intake targets for both nutrients.

Potassium supports healthy heart and healthy muscle function; folate supports cell production and metabolic health. Both are retained in quality concentrates.

At Traverse Bay Farms, — and the difference between a beet concentrate sourced from quality whole beets versus a lower-grade input is measurable in color depth, Brix level, and flavor. Brix is a measure of dissolved solids in concentrate, essentially a measure of concentration strength, and a higher Brix means more beet per serving.

Health Benefits of Beet Juice Concentrate

The health benefits associated with beet juice concentrate are grounded in its key compounds — dietary nitrates and betalains — and supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed research. These are potential wellness benefits for healthy adults, not treatment claims for any disease or medical condition.

Cardiovascular health

Beet juice concentrate has been studied more consistently in the context of cardiovascular health than almost any other functional food in recent years. The mechanism centers on dietary nitrates and their conversion to nitric oxide — a molecule that encourages blood vessels to relax and dilate, a process called vasodilation, which may support more efficient circulation.

A systematic review published in the Journal of Nutrition (Lara et al., 2016) examined multiple beetroot intervention studies and found that beetroot juice consumption was associated with reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy participants. The findings point consistently to nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation as the mechanism driving those results.

These findings apply to generally healthy adults. Beet juice concentrate is not a medication and should not replace one. If you take blood pressure medication or have a diagnosed cardiovascular condition, consult your healthcare provider before adding beet concentrate to your daily routine, as dietary nitrates may interact with how those medications work.

Athletic performance and endurance

Active adults and competitive athletes have made beet juice concentrate a legitimate part of performance nutrition — and the research explains why. Dietary nitrates may help the body use oxygen more efficiently during exercise, which can translate to improved endurance and reduced fatigue during sustained physical effort.

A study published in the American Journal of Physiology (Bailey et al., 2009) found that beetroot juice supplementation reduced the oxygen cost of moderate-intensity exercise and extended time to exhaustion during high-intensity effort in healthy subjects. The researchers attributed these effects to nitrate-driven improvements in mitochondrial efficiency — the body's ability to produce energy from available oxygen.

For competitive athletes, the most commonly studied protocol is consumption two to three hours before training or competition, allowing adequate time for nitrate-to-nitric-oxide conversion. Our customers consistently tell us that beet concentrate becomes a permanent fixture in their pre-workout routine not because of any single dramatic result, but because of the steady, reliable support it provides day after day.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Betalains — the same pigments that give beet juice concentrate its vivid color — have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory and early clinical research. While large-scale long-term human trials are still developing, the preliminary evidence suggests that regular consumption of betalain-rich foods like beet juice concentrate may support the body's natural inflammatory response. Combined with its antioxidant activity, this makes unsweetened beet concentrate one of the more nutritionally dense functional foods available for consistent daily use.

How to Mix Beet Juice Concentrate

The standard dilution ratio for beet juice concentrate is one tablespoon of concentrate to eight ounces of water. That ratio produces a balanced, approachable flavor for most people — earthy, lightly sweet, and smooth when mixed properly. Prefer something stronger or lighter? The concentrate is forgiving. Adjust from the standard and find what works for you.

Step-by-step mixing guide

1. Measure one tablespoon of beet juice concentrate
2. Add eight ounces of cold water, juice, or your preferred liquid
3. Stir well or shake to fully combine
4. Taste and adjust the ratio to your preference
5. Serve immediately over ice, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours

Recommended daily serving size

For general daily wellness, one tablespoon per day is the standard starting point. Those using beet concentrate for athletic performance may use up to two tablespoons, taken two to three hours before exercise. Start smaller if you are new to beet juice and increase gradually — some individuals experience a temporary reddish tint to urine or stool, a harmless effect called beeturia, when consuming larger amounts.

Best time to take beet juice concentrate

For athletic performance support, two to three hours before exercise is the most studied window. For cardiovascular wellness and general nutrition, morning is the most practical choice and the easiest habit to maintain consistently. After 24 years working with fruit concentrates at Traverse Bay Farms, we have observed one pattern above all others: customers who build their concentrate use into a fixed daily routine — same time, same method — are the ones who stay with it long term. Consistency is where the value compounds.

Simple Beet Juice Concentrate Recipes

Beet juice concentrate works in far more than a glass of water. Its natural earthiness pairs well with citrus, berries, and savory ingredients alike — making it one of the more versatile functional ingredients to keep in a kitchen.

Beet smoothie

• 1 tablespoon beet juice concentrate
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 medium banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or water
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Blend until smooth. Berries complement the natural earthiness of beet concentrate and deepen the color into a vivid deep purple. The banana adds natural sweetness and rounds out the flavor without overpowering the beet.

Beet lemonade

• 1 tablespoon beet juice concentrate
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 8–10 oz cold sparkling or still water
• Honey or maple syrup to taste
• Ice

Combine concentrate and lemon juice, add water, sweeten lightly if desired, and stir well. Serve over ice. The lemon lifts the earthiness dramatically — this one surprises people who think they do not enjoy beet on its own.

Beet salad dressing

• 1 teaspoon beet juice concentrate
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together and drizzle over mixed greens, goat cheese, and walnuts. The concentrate adds subtle sweetness and a vivid color that makes any salad look intentional. It also works well stirred into hummus, brushed onto roasted vegetables, or blended into a barbecue marinade.

Why Traverse Bay Farms

Traverse Bay Farms has been sourcing, formulating, and selling fruit-based products since 2001 — more than two decades before "functional food" became a mainstream category.

The brand is family-owned, operates with a pure-ingredient philosophy, and has earned 38+ national food awards for flavor, quality, and innovation. Products ship nationwide to customers across the United States.

The beet juice concentrate offered meets one standard: pure. One ingredient. Nothing added. No compromise on Brix. No shortcuts on sourcing. Across 38+ national food award evaluations, one pattern has emerged consistently — judges respond to products that lead with authentic ingredient quality, and that is the standard we apply to every product in our line.

For a deeper look at the research behind beet juice concentrate, visit our full resource on beet juice concentrate benefits. For the complete pillar guide, see unsweetened beet juice concentrate.

Key takeaways

Unsweetened beet juice concentrate delivers dietary nitrates, betalains, potassium, and folate in a single daily tablespoon — with no added sugar. Research suggests it may support healthy blood pressure, exercise performance, and the body's natural inflammatory response. Mix one tablespoon with eight ounces of water, take it in the morning or before exercise, and store it refrigerated after opening. Build it into a consistent daily habit and give it time to compound.

Frequently asked questions

What is unsweetened beet juice concentrate?

Unsweetened beet juice concentrate is pure beetroot juice with most of its water removed — leaving behind a thick, nutrient-dense liquid rich in dietary nitrates, betalains, potassium, and folate. No sugar, sweetener, or flavoring is added at any point in production. The only sweetness present is what occurs naturally in the beet itself.

How do you dilute beet juice concentrate?

Mix one tablespoon of beet juice concentrate with eight ounces of cold water and stir well. Adjust the ratio to your taste preference — some people prefer a stronger mix, others lighter. It also blends easily into smoothies, juices, and other beverages without requiring exact measurements.

What is the correct serving size for beet juice concentrate?

One tablespoon per day is the standard starting point for general wellness. Those using it for athletic performance support may use up to two tablespoons, taken two to three hours before exercise. Start with the lower amount if you are new to beet juice and increase gradually based on how your body responds.

What is the best time to take beet juice concentrate?

For athletic performance, two to three hours before exercise is the most studied window. For general cardiovascular and nutritional support, morning is practical and easy to sustain. There is no wrong time — the most effective time is the one that fits your routine consistently enough to maintain as a daily habit.

What are the main health benefits of beet juice concentrate?

Research suggests unsweetened beet juice concentrate may support healthy blood pressure through dietary nitrates and nitric oxide production, improve oxygen efficiency during exercise, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support through betalains. These are potential wellness benefits for healthy adults — not treatment claims for any disease or medical condition.

Does unsweetened mean sugar-free?

Not exactly. "Unsweetened" means no sugar has been added during production. Beets contain natural sugars, which remain present in the concentrate. The label is a commitment about what was not added to the product — not a claim that it contains zero sugar. Check the nutrition label for total and natural sugar content.

Can I add beet juice concentrate to smoothies?

Yes — beet juice concentrate blends seamlessly into smoothies. One tablespoon mixes well with fruits, greens, protein powder, and nut milks. Berries, banana, and citrus pair especially well with beet's natural earthiness. The deep purple color the concentrate produces is a visual bonus that makes any smoothie look intentional.

How long does beet juice concentrate last after opening?

Refrigerated and tightly sealed, beet juice concentrate typically keeps well for 60 to 90 days after opening. For longer-term storage, freeze the concentrate in an ice cube tray and transfer the frozen cubes to a sealed freezer bag. Thaw individual portions as needed. Always seal the cap firmly after each use.

Can I take beet juice concentrate on an empty stomach?

Most people tolerate beet juice concentrate well on an empty stomach. If you experience any digestive sensitivity, try taking it alongside a small snack or with a meal. As with any new dietary addition, listen to your body and adjust the timing or amount based on your own response.

Is beet juice concentrate safe to take with blood pressure medication?

Beet juice concentrate contains dietary nitrates that may support healthy blood pressure levels through nitric oxide. If you currently take blood pressure medication, consult your healthcare provider before adding beet concentrate to your routine. The combination may affect blood pressure in ways that warrant monitoring by a qualified professional.

People also ask

Does beet juice concentrate lower blood pressure?

Research suggests the dietary nitrates in beet juice concentrate may support healthy blood pressure levels in healthy adults by promoting nitric oxide production and vasodilation. It is not a medication and should not replace one. Anyone taking blood pressure medication should consult their healthcare provider before adding beet concentrate to their routine.

How much beet juice concentrate should I take per day?

One tablespoon per day is the standard starting amount for general wellness. For athletic performance support, up to two tablespoons taken two to three hours before exercise is the most commonly studied protocol. Individual needs vary — starting with the lower amount and adjusting based on your response and goals is the recommended approach.

What does beet juice concentrate taste like?

Unsweetened beet juice concentrate has a naturally earthy, slightly sweet flavor with a rich, deep quality. When diluted to the standard ratio, it is smooth and approachable. Pairing it with citrus, berries, or apple juice brightens the flavor significantly for those who find the earthiness strong on its own.

Is beet juice concentrate better than beet powder?

Both deliver dietary nitrates and betalains, but concentrate is closer to the whole-food source with fewer processing steps and no carrier agents or fillers. For those who prefer mixing into liquids, concentrate is typically the more natural-format option. The right choice depends on your preferred usage method and daily routine.

Can you cook with beet juice concentrate?

Yes. A small amount adds color, subtle sweetness, and depth to marinades, dressings, glazes, and sauces. Start with a teaspoon in savory applications and adjust from there. It works especially well stirred into hummus, blended into vinaigrette, or brushed onto roasted vegetables in the final minutes of cooking.

The straightforward case for making beet concentrate part of your routine

Most nutrition trends ask a lot from you. New equipment. A complicated protocol. A lifestyle overhaul before you see any results. Beet juice concentrate asks very little. One tablespoon. Eight ounces of water. Thirty seconds.

That simplicity is worth taking seriously — because the research behind it is not simple at all. The connection between dietary nitrates, nitric oxide production, and cardiovascular function has been examined across dozens of peer-reviewed trials. The betalain compounds unique to beetroot have attracted legitimate scientific attention as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. This is not marketing language. It is a compound story that holds up under scrutiny.

What makes unsweetened beet juice concentrate particularly practical is the absence of compromise. No added sugar. No diluted potency. No complicated preparation. Just the natural compounds of the beet in a concentrated, shelf-stable form that fits into any daily routine without disrupting it.

Start with the standard ratio. Take it consistently. Give it time. The value of a daily wellness habit is almost always found in the compounding effect of showing up every day — not in any single serving.

About the author

Andy LaPointe is the co-founder of Traverse Bay Farms, a nationally recognized fruit and vegetable-based wellness brand rooted in Northern Michigan, with 38+ national food awards. Since launching the company in 2001, he has helped grow the brand into a leader in fruit-based foods, condiments, and wellness products across the United States. Products are shipped nationwide.

Resources

• USDA FoodData Central — Beets, Raw: Full Nutritional Profile
• National Institutes of Health / PubMed — Siervo et al. (2013): Inorganic Nitrate and Systolic Meta-Analysis
• Journal of Nutrition — Lara et al. (2016): Beetroot Juice and Systematic Review
• American Journal of Physiology — Bailey et al. (2009): Dietary Nitrate Supplementation and the Oxygen Cost of Exercise