Frequently Asked Questions

What is cold-pressed juice?

Cold-pressing is a technique where juice is extracted from fruits and vegetables without applying heat. This process reduces oxidation (exposure to oxygen) and maximizes the nutritional value of the juice. Exposing food to heat and oxygen diminishes nutrients and vitamins.

How is cold-pressed juice healthier than other juices?

When we cook fruits or vegetables or apply any kind of heat, we actually destroy some of the beneficial nutrients and vitamins. Blenders & other kinds of juicers produce heat. The pasteurization process also applies high heat. The cold-pressed juicing process, however, helps retain a majority of those sensitive nutrients and vitamins because no heat is applied during extraction or processing.

Additionally, when you eat a solid food meal your body has to work hard to digest and break down fiber and material to be able to absorb the nutrients from your food. If you have digestive issues, your body may struggle to properly absorb nutrients from solid food.

When fruits & vegetables are juiced, the cellular matrices of the food are broken down, which releases antioxidants & other vitamins from its cellular compartment. This means your body does not have to work as hard to break down fiber and the nutrients can be easily and quickly absorbed and used by your body.

Similarly, because several pounds of produce (more than you could ever comfortably eat in one sitting) are used to make one serving of juice, you are getting a larger dose of micronutrients versus what you would from a serving of solid fruits and vegetables.

The micronutrients found in fruits and vegetables not only help fight off disease but also help regulate and support all of your bodily functions and systems. Cold-pressed juices are an excellent way to get concentrated doses of fresh vitamins and minerals - think of it like a liquid multi-vitamin.

Our juices do not contain any preservatives, additives, refined sugars or artificial/natural flavors.

What kind of juicer does CCJC use?

We use the best two-stage cold pressed juicers in the industry - Goodnature's X1 Mini and X1. This means our juice not only packs powerful flavor but is the most nutrient-rich in the game.

Real cold-pressed juice is made with a hydraulic press that uses thousands of pounds to extract liquid from produce. If a juicing machine does not have a hydraulic press it cannot truly make "cold-pressed" juice. Real cold-presses do not use heat and are more efficient at reducing oxidation than other types of juicers.

Slow masticating juicers and centrifugal juicers are not cold-pressed juicers. Unfortunately, many juicing machines are marketed as "cold-press" when they are not true-cold press machines.

Do you make juice to order?

We currently do not have the capability to make a juice-to order. Our juicers are designed to make large batches. You may pre-order custom recipes by calling or texting us at 832-916-9734.

We do understand that nutrients die as the juice ages. While we do hope to offer made-to-order juice in the future, rest assured that the cold-juicing process and Goodnature machines are designed to help the juice retain over 90% of the nutrients in the fruits and vegetables. In addition, we have perfected specific practices and procedures to help extend the shelf-life of our juices.

We currently make fresh juice in our shop 5-6 days a week.

What kinds of benefits do cold-pressed juices have?

In general, the micronutrients found in fruits and vegetables help:

Lower inflammation
Support liver repair and detoxification
Reduce the risk of chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, gout, diabetes)
Support heart health
Improve digestion, immunity, and energy levels
Support skin health and wound healing

Every fruit and vegetable has different amounts and varieties of nutrients making them beneficial for certain health conditions or organ function. Head over to our Menu page and click on each recipe to learn the benefits of each of our juices.

If you have specific questions regarding which juices may benefit a specific condition, feel free to email our nutritionist at info@crankycarrotjuice.co.

What about the lack of fiber in the juices? Aren't smoothies better?

Cold-pressed juice is not a replacement for all of your fruit and vegetable servings. It is also not a replacement for fiber in the diet. You should still eat your fiber-rich foods and incorporate plenty of fresh, whole fruits and vegetables.

Smoothies, when built appropriately, are great as well! There is no need to pick one and ban the other from your routine forever. There are some instances where a juice may be a better option than a smoothie and vice versa. Life is all about balance and incorporating a variety of different foods to ensure balanced intake of different nutrients.

What are super foods and functional foods?

Super foods and functional foods are foods which their nutrients have specific health benefits or functions in the body. These nutrients have the capacity to strengthen and support our health as well as prevent or heal from chronic disease. Similarly, adaptogens are foods, plants and herbs that have been studied and used for their ability to help the body handle, adapt, recover and heal from stress.

All of our recipes are made with specific health benefits in mind. Ask our Juiceritas to see our Ingredient Benefit List!

How are your smoothies different than others?

All of our smoothie recipes contain a different blend of superfoods for heightened health benefits.

In addition, we use frozen fruit rather than thawed so you can get an icy consistency without having to overload the blender with ice. Most smoothie shops use a ton of ice which lowers cost for them because it dilutes the smoothie. It allows them to use less liquid and fruit but yield more product. This makes for a smoothie that is less-filling and less-nutritious. Adding a ton of ice to your smoothie is like adding 4 oz of water to 4 oz of orange juice and then saying I am selling you an 8 oz bottle of orange juice.

We make all of our almond milk in-house. If we don't have any made, we don't make the smoothies. We make our own almond milk not only because it tastes better and gives the smoothies a better consistency but because we don't want any preservatives, gums or inflammatory oils in our milk. In addition, it makes a much more nutrient-rich product than what you buy on the shelves. Unfortunately, most store bought almond milk is water with almond flavor and artificial vitamins.

We don't use any artificial or concentrated juices, syrups or added sugars in our smoothies.

What kind of acai and pitaya do you use?

We source our frozen grade-A acai and pitaya (dragon fruit) from Pitaya Foods. We do not purchase any sorbet-style acai or pitaya, "scoopable" acai or pitaya or use acai or pitaya powders. Sorbet-style or "scoopable" acai and pitaya typically contain gums, preservatives and/or heavy amounts of added sugars.

We purchase two kinds of grade-A acai - unsweetened cubes which are used for our acai bowls and cubes lightly caffeinated with guarana berry and lightly sweetened organic cane sugar which are used for our Berry Beauty smoothie.

Our smoothie bowl bases are made fresh to order with either acai, banana and strawberry or dragon fruit, mango and banana and a small amount of our house-made almond milk, no ice.

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is a type of fermented tea that is rich in raw antioxidants and live probiotics. Probiotics help increase your healthy gut bacteria and in turn can help improve digestion and inflammation as well as support healthy skin and the immune system. Kombucha also has powerful antibacterial properties particularly against infection-causing bacteria.

What is the stuff floating in my kombucha?

The floating stuff in your kombucha is usually completely normal and often a sign of healthy fermentation. Most commonly, these are fragments of the SCOBY (the living culture used to ferment the kombucha), which can appear as cloudy strands, gelatinous blobs, or film-like pieces. You may also notice brownish stringy particles, which are colonies of yeast that form naturally during the brewing process—especially in raw or unfiltered kombucha. Additionally, sediment at the bottom of the bottle can include tea particles, probiotics, and residual yeast, all of which are safe to consume and can even provide added health benefits. While these elements may look odd, they’re a natural part of traditionally brewed kombucha.

Do you add carbonation to your kombucha?

No, we do not! The fizz in our kombucha is 100% natural. Natural carbonation in kombucha is a good thing because it indicates that the fermentation process is active and thriving. During fermentation, the natural yeast in the SCOBY consumes sugars and produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), which creates the light fizziness many people enjoy. This natural carbonation enhances the flavor and mouthfeel of the drink, making it feel refreshing and lively. It also signals that live cultures are present, meaning the kombucha is rich in beneficial probiotics. While carbonation levels can vary depending on how the kombucha is brewed and bottled, a gentle fizz is a sign of a healthy, properly fermented beverage.

Some kombucha companies may add artificial carbonation to mimic healthy fermentation.

Do you add sugar to your kombucha?

Yes, we add organic cane sugar during the first fermentation process. Sugar is essential in kombucha because it serves as the primary food source for the yeast and bacteria in the SCOBY. During fermentation, the yeast consumes the sugar and produces carbon dioxide (for natural fizz) and small amounts of alcohol, while the bacteria convert sugars and alcohol into beneficial organic acids and probiotics. Without sugar, this fermentation process wouldn't happen, and the kombucha wouldn't develop its characteristic tangy flavor or probiotic content. As fermentation progresses, much of the original sugar is consumed by the microbes. The longer the kombucha ferments, the less sugar remains in the final drink.

We do not add any added sugars in the second fermentation process but instead use our fresh, cold-pressed juices to add flavor, color and personality.

How should I handle and store my kombucha?

Handle your kombucha bottles carefully! Do not shake them. Always burp the bottles first and open the bottles slowly. We do not add preservatives or pasteurize our kombucha which means our kombucha will keep fermenting if left out at room temperature. Because we use fresh cold-pressed juice rather than extracts, concentrates or flavorings, this may exacerbate the fermentation if handled improperly.

If you are grabbing a bottle at the farmers market consider making us your last stop or have us hold the bottle in our coolers until you are done shopping. The longer you walk around with your kombucha, the hotter it will get and the more it may bounce around - increasing the chances of it becoming too fizzy and exploding on you if you open it too quickly. Do not leave it in your car.

If you have left it out for a while or it was a particularly hot day, "burp" the bottle gently by releasing the cap a bit but not opening it all the way. Once you hear the pressure release close it back up and let it rest in the fridge before enjoying.

How is your kombucha different than store-bought kombucha?

Our small-batch, locally brewed kombucha is often superior to commercially produced versions because it’s raw, unpasteurized, and unfiltered—preserving a higher concentration of live probiotics and beneficial enzymes. We use cleaner ingredients with minimal added sugars and no preservatives. The natural, small-batch fermentation process results in more balanced carbonation and richer flavor. Because it’s made in smaller quantities, our kombucha is fresher, less processed, and crafted with greater care, love and transparency. Lastly, our locally-brewed kombucha did not have to travel great distances so it is much better for the environment in terms of packaging and gas emissions.

What is bone broth?

Bone broth is a protein-rich broth made by simmering bones with various ingredients. The simmering process releases beneficial vitamins and minerals from the bones into the broth. We make our bone broth in-house.

A few benefits of bone broth include:

High in protein and collagen, supporting skin, hair, nails, and bones
Anti-inflammatory properties
Contains collagen and amino acids that help heal the gut
Supports immune and digestive health
Helps relieve sore throats
Great for flus and colds

Why did my bone broth turn into jelly?

If your bone broth turned to jelly, that’s actually a very good sign! It means your broth is rich in natural collagen. When you simmer high-quality bones for several hours, the collagen in the cartilage and connective tissue breaks down into gelatin. As the broth cools, gelatin solidifies, giving it that jelly-like consistency.

Why do you bottle in glass?

Glass bottles are generally considered a better choice than plastic when it comes to storing juice, especially from a health, environmental, and quality standpoint. One of the main advantages is that glass is non-reactive, meaning it doesn’t leach chemicals into your beverage—even when exposed to heat, acidity, or long storage. In contrast, plastic can release potentially harmful compounds like BPA, BPS, or phthalates, especially when heated or reused. Even BPA-free plastics may contain substitute chemicals that carry similar risks. This is particularly important with acidic drinks like juice, which can draw chemicals from plastic containers more easily over time.

Glass also does a better job of preserving the nutrients, flavor, and freshness of juice. It is impermeable to oxygen and moisture and also helps retain cooler temperatures, which helps maintain antioxidant levels and prevents degradation of sensitive vitamins like vitamin C. Plastic, being slightly permeable, allows for gradual nutrient and aroma loss. From a sensory perspective, many people find that beverages stored in glass taste better because glass doesn’t absorb or transfer flavors the way plastic can.

Environmentally, glass is 100% recyclable and can be reused indefinitely without losing quality, making it a more sustainable option. Plastic, on the other hand, can only be recycled a limited number of times and often ends up in landfills or oceans. Additionally, the production of plastic relies heavily on fossil fuels and generates more pollution than glass manufacturing.

Reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances and preserving nutrient integrity are important for supporting overall health. Using glass helps minimize intake of xenoestrogens, microplastics, and other toxins that may contribute to hormonal imbalances, gut disruption, or chronic inflammation. Although glass bottles are heavier, more expensive, and breakable compared to plastic, their benefits often outweigh these drawbacks—especially if health and sustainability are top priorities.

Do you have a bottle return program?

Yes, we do! Please bring back your washed juice and kombucha bottles as well as your bone broth jars. For the kombucha bottle, we do ask that you also return the cap.

We offer the following credits for each item returned:

Juice Bottles = $0.25
Kombucha Bottles w/Cap = $2.00
32 oz Mason Jars = $1.00

You must make a purchase at the time of the return for your credit to be used. We do not offer refunds for bottle returns nor are we able to track your credit for future use. Thank you for helping us recycle!

What kind of sustainability practices do you have in place?

We believe that the health of our environment directly affects our own health and wellness. Taking care of our environment as best as we can is important to us. We recycle all in-house plastic, cardboard and aluminum waste. We compost all of our food waste and it is used by a local farm as chicken feed and fertilizer. We bottle our juices, kombucha and bone broth in glass which is both better for our health and the environment. We have a bottle return program in place where customers can returned their rinsed glass bottles for a discount. Lastly, we source locally as much as possible which reduces packaging waste and travel emissions.

Where is your food sourced from?

We take pride in sourcing-locally as much as we can! Locally produced food is not only better for us but also better for the environment. We also make it a priority to support other small-businesses and families like ourselves.

Our eggs are from a variety of different local farms that pasture-raise their chickens including Three Sisters Farms, Synergos Farm and Carlani's grandma's farm. Our chicken, bacon and bones are from pasture-raised and grass-fed animals from Katerra Exotics. Our sourdough breads are locally baked by Coastal Bake Shop and Leven. Our honey and bee pollen is from a local bee-farm.

We go through hundreds of pounds of produce weekly so at this time we cannot fully source our produce from local farms but do try to incorporate as much local, in-season produce as we can from the farmers markets and local farms like Plant It Forward and Wood Duck Farm.

Do you use seed oils?

Our kitchen is 98% free of seed oils and inflammatory oils. We currently have two items in which we are working hard to find seed-oil free replacements. Our tortilla wraps contain canola oil and our ranch contains soybean oil. You may opt for our gluten-free tortilla for a seed-oil free option. Everything else on our menu is made with avocado oil, grass-fed ghee or butter, coconut oil, or house-made beef tallow.

Do you have calorie and macronutrient breakdowns?

As of now, we only have nutritional facts for our smoothies which can be requested via email or in-store. We are working on putting together an extensive PDF with additional nutritional information.