Minute Maid's decision to discontinue its frozen orange juice has left this writer with mixed emotions - though it's fair to say there's little love lost. For many children of the 1980s, Minute Maid's frozen concoction was more than just a drink; it was a staple that evoked memories of summertime and family gatherings.
The product's enduring appeal can be attributed to its convenience. Introduced in 1946 by Vacuum Foods Corp., later rebranded as Minute Maid, the company provided consumers with a hassle-free way to enjoy orange juice without having to squeeze the oranges themselves. This innovation was especially appealing to parents like my mother, who would stock up on frozen cans and mix them with water to create a makeshift beverage.
However, it's also fair to say that some of those childhood memories are tainted by unpleasant experiences. My own encounters with Minute Maid frozen orange juice were often marred by disappointment. While I recall the thrill of mixing up a can in the morning, adding cold water, and stirring until the concoction was passable, my sister and brother's forays into this laborious process left me less than enthused.
The experience that most stands out, though, is one of utter disgust. On a family road trip, our cousin became car sick during a long drive in our Oldsmobile station wagon. Our mother, attempting to comfort her, brought out the trusty juice jug from the "way-back" - a practice that would later be revealed as a recipe for disaster.
The pungent aroma of vomit-infused orange juice wafted through the air, sending my siblings and me into a frenzy of revulsion. The next morning's breakfast was equally traumatic, with our mother unceremoniously plopping the pitcher down among our bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios. It's a moment that soured me on frozen orange juice for life.
While some nostalgic hearts may mourn the loss of Minute Maid's frozen product, I'm not shedding any tears. The thought of confronting those memories again, even in a retro setting, is too much to bear. The news that this drink has been discontinued offers a welcome respite from my past traumas - and I couldn't be more relieved.
The product's enduring appeal can be attributed to its convenience. Introduced in 1946 by Vacuum Foods Corp., later rebranded as Minute Maid, the company provided consumers with a hassle-free way to enjoy orange juice without having to squeeze the oranges themselves. This innovation was especially appealing to parents like my mother, who would stock up on frozen cans and mix them with water to create a makeshift beverage.
However, it's also fair to say that some of those childhood memories are tainted by unpleasant experiences. My own encounters with Minute Maid frozen orange juice were often marred by disappointment. While I recall the thrill of mixing up a can in the morning, adding cold water, and stirring until the concoction was passable, my sister and brother's forays into this laborious process left me less than enthused.
The experience that most stands out, though, is one of utter disgust. On a family road trip, our cousin became car sick during a long drive in our Oldsmobile station wagon. Our mother, attempting to comfort her, brought out the trusty juice jug from the "way-back" - a practice that would later be revealed as a recipe for disaster.
The pungent aroma of vomit-infused orange juice wafted through the air, sending my siblings and me into a frenzy of revulsion. The next morning's breakfast was equally traumatic, with our mother unceremoniously plopping the pitcher down among our bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios. It's a moment that soured me on frozen orange juice for life.
While some nostalgic hearts may mourn the loss of Minute Maid's frozen product, I'm not shedding any tears. The thought of confronting those memories again, even in a retro setting, is too much to bear. The news that this drink has been discontinued offers a welcome respite from my past traumas - and I couldn't be more relieved.
but hey at least it's a nostalgic memory now right? anyway, more frozen juice options means less chance of getting car sick 
. Like, who needs the memories of being sick on it anyway? And can you even imagine having to make that stuff at home anymore? No thanks! 
. Losing a nostalgic favorite can be tough, but let's not forget all the good times we had with it too 
. For me, Minute Maid frozen orange juice was always about being convenient and easy peasy. I remember my mom stocking up for family gatherings and making it a fun mix-and-match experience with my siblings 
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or when someone spilled it all over their favorite toy? 
Yeah, let's just say I won't be shedding any tears for the product either. On the bright side, this means we can enjoy some peace and quiet in our homes without the smell of "vomit-infused orange juice" wafting through the air 
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Interesting how people can find joy in re-living those moments, but for others, it's better left in the past... 
what i really wanna know is when r they gonna bring back those ice cream flavors again?!
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. dont @ me bc i'm not sad bout this decision 
my grandma used to love making fresh orange juice at home, and it was always such a special treat. there's something to be said for taking care of yourself and not relying on convenience that might lead to, well... unpleasantness 
honestly can't believe people are getting all nostalgic for frozen orange juice? it's like, it was always gonna be a dodgy drink lol my grandma used to try and make it with water but it just ended up all watery & gross i mean yeah its convenient but at what cost? the thought of that pungent aroma wafting around on a car trip is still making me cringe 
. Think about it, the convenience factor was a double-edged sword - on one hand, it was super convenient, but on the other hand, it was also basically a recipe for disaster 
. I mean, our mom's best intentions just ended up causing some major trauma for my siblings and me... it's like, you can't put a price on good taste 
. The world's a better place without that toxic mixture of orange juice and car sickness 
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. I mean, who wants to relive the trauma of car sick orange juice vomit? 
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i mean its not like its the end of the world but its def a bummer for ppl who grew up with it like me 
the thing that bothers me tho is theyre gonna make us relive those awful memories every time we buy juice at the grocery store 
and honestly id rather just drink apple juice or somethin' other than think about that nasty pungent smell from when i was a kid 
. its not like we're gonna miss it too much 
#NoRegrets #JusticeForTheSenses 