Is Cacao Juice Legal? Regulatory Status by Region
Cacao fruit pulp is a relatively new ingredient in many markets, so its food-regulatory status varies. Here is a plain-language, sourced summary of where cacao juice is authorised and how it must be labelled.
A Quick Overview
Cacao juice is made from the fresh pulp of the cacao fruit — historically discarded during chocolate production. Because it is a comparatively new food in Europe, North America and beyond, regulators have assessed whether it counts as a 'novel food' or can be sold as a conventional one. In most major markets it is now clearly permitted; the details below summarise the legal basis for each region.
Status by Jurisdiction
Sourced summaries — always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
European Union
Authorised (since 2020)Cacao fruit pulp, pulp juice and concentrated pulp juice are authorised across the EU as a 'traditional food from a third country' under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/206. This is a generic authorisation — no company-specific approval is needed. Note that 'sugars obtained from cocoa pulp' is a separate, distinct novel food (Reg (EU) 2020/1634).
Regulation (EU) 2020/206 (EUR-Lex)United Kingdom (Great Britain)
AuthorisedAuthorised in England, Scotland and Wales via assimilated EU law and listed on the FSA's register of regulated products (NOVEL-62). Northern Ireland continues to follow the EU regime under the Windsor Framework.
FSA register (NOVEL-62)United States
GRAS — FDA had no questionsThe FDA responded with 'no questions' to Cabosse Naturals' GRAS notice (GRN 947) for cacao pulp and cacao fruit juice. It is sold as a conventional food, subject to standard FDA labelling (Nutrition Facts, and the percent-juice declaration under 21 CFR 101.30 where applicable).
FDA GRAS Notice GRN 947Australia & New Zealand
Permitted (not a novel food)Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) formed the view that cacao (cocoa) fruit pulp is non-traditional but not a 'novel food' requiring pre-market approval, as recorded in its Record of Views.
FSANZ Record of ViewsSwitzerland
Generally aligned with the EUSwitzerland generally recognises EU food authorisations, and cacao pulp products are available on the Swiss market. Confirm current requirements with the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) for a specific product.
Ecuador & Latin America
Conventional foodIn producing countries, cacao pulp and juice are generally treated as a conventional processed food rather than a novel one. In Ecuador, for example, producers register products with the health authority (ARCSA) and apply the national nutritional labelling rules.
Canada, Japan & elsewhere
Confirm locallyWe have not confirmed a specific novel-food determination in every market. Operators planning to sell in Canada (Health Canada), Japan or other countries should verify the current status with the relevant authority before doing so.
How It Must Be Labelled (EU & GB)
In the EU and Great Britain the legal name on the label must be 'cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pulp', 'cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pulp juice' or 'cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) concentrated pulp juice', depending on the form. Note that the legal term is 'cocoa', even though these products are usually marketed as 'cacao'.
This page is a general, educational summary of food-regulatory status and is not legal advice. Rules change and depend on the exact product, composition and intended use; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before placing a product on the market.