Everything There Is to Know About Capri Sun

There was juice and there was Capri Sun, it was its own thing. I was a rebel so I always turned mine upside down and poked my straw into the pouch’s bottom. But what’s the story behind the mysterious, metallic juice pouch from so many childhoods? What is Capri Sun? What is in a Capri Sun? Who owns Capri Sun? When did Capri Sun come out? Are Capri Suns gluten free? Does Capri Sun expire? How do you pronounce Capri Sun? Let’s learn everything under the sun about Capri Sun!

How to pronounce Capri Sun correctly?

Let’s just get this out of the way right now so that no one is saying the name wrong while they read this: Capri Sun is pronounced KA-pree sun. 

What is Capri Sun?

Capri Sun is a juice drink made from juice concentrate that’s popular all over the world. Capri Suns are instantly recognizable for their laminated foil packaging. While other juice drinks are in boxes, bottles, or jugs, Capri Sun is in a standup, foil pouch. You can squeeze that sucker and chug the heck out of your Capri Sun! 

What is in a Capri Sun?

Capri Sun is sold all over the world and the flavors and ingredients are catered to local tastes. But for the most part, Capri Suns contain fruit juice concentrate and sugar. There are some no-sugar added versions available. But classic Capri Sun contains lots and lots of sweet stuff. Capri Sun labels itself as containing “all natural” fruit juice, but there’s been some pushback on using that term in some countries. Basically, in the U.S. you can have just a little real fruit juice in a product and still label it as “all natural.” 

Who owns Capri Sun?

Capri Sun is owned by a German company called Wild, which was founded by Rudolph Wild in 1931. Yikes. Not a great time in Germany. While Capri Sun is owned by a German company, it’s distributed by different companies around the world. In the U.S., Kraft distributes Capri Sun. 

When did Capri Sun come out?

So the company that makes Capri Sun was founded in the ‘30s, but when did Capri Sun come out? Capri Sun was first released in West Germany in 1969 and made its way to the U.S. in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Are Capri Suns gluten free?

Good news for everyone with gluten sensitivity that wants to chug fruit juice: Capri Suns are gluten free! These little juice packs are also completely vegan and vegetarian. 

Does Capri Sun expire?

Capri Suns can last six to nine months unopened and stored in a cool dry place. But the juice in those pouches is preservative free. So if you open one and the juice is exposed to air, it can go moldy. Or, if there’s a tiny hole in one, the pouch can inflate because the juice is fermenting. Don’t drink those. Also don’t eat the packaging. I learned that one the hard way.