Our lawn was graded and seeded on Saturday, so now we’re baby-sitting an acre of incipient grass. I come into the house, hot and thirsty after an hour of redistributing the protective straw, pitching rocks into the driveway, and wrestling with hoses. Juice sounds good, half and half with water and a pinch of salt, homemade Gatorade.

I usually drink plain water, but Hubby keeps quite a collection of bottled juice. Pineapple should hit the spot. Reflexively, I read the label: “Filtered water, organic pineapple juice concentrate” – acceptable so far, though I’d prefer non-concentrate juice – “guar, xanthan and sodium alginate gums” – eek! where did those come from?

This is a venerable name brand from the health-food store, a brand that I’ve trusted for thirty years. I’m not going to tell you which brand, because my whole point is that it’s important to read the label. I’ve just been reminded that even old trusted brands change their ingredients now and then.

Effective immediately, I’m switching to another brand of juice. I’m not as familiar with my new brand, but they advertise that their products contain no additives whatsoever, just juice. And many of their products are organic. But I’ll still read the label.