Abstract: This invention relates to a low pH nutritional beverage that utilizes pectin-free fruit juice as a major component and a source of calcium selected from natural milk mineral, calcium lactate gluconate and mixtures thereof. The beverage preferably also contains water soluble vitamins, flavors and carbohydrates. The use of a pectin-free and clarified pear juice in a preferred embodiment of the beverage provides a fat-free beverage with a substantially clear appearance and a light, refreshing mouthfeel. The beverage is preferably produced using a "cold water process" that results in excellent physical stability of the beverage over shelf life and the reduction of browning.