Do True Lemon Packets Have Calories? The Unsweetened Truth

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the True Citrus company, the original unsweetened True Lemon packets contain zero calories per serving. This is because the product is made from crystallized lemon, capturing the essence of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and oils without the sugar content found in whole fruit.

Quick Summary

The original True Lemon packets are calorie-free because they are unsweetened crystallized citrus, containing only citric acid, lemon oil, and lemon juice. This differs from the brand's sweetened lemonade, energy, and kids' drink mixes, which contain sugar and ten calories per packet.

Key Points

Zero Calories in Unsweetened Packets: The original, crystallized True Lemon packets contain zero calories per serving, ideal for calorie-controlled diets.
Not All True Citrus Products Are Calorie-Free: The company also sells sweetened lemonade and kids' mixes, which contain 10 calories per packet from sugar and stevia.
Ingredient Transparency: The unsweetened version is made from just crystallized lemon, which includes citric acid, lemon oil, and lemon juice.
Benefits for Health-Conscious Consumers: Zero-calorie True Lemon packets are compatible with intermittent fasting, keto diets, and help encourage water consumption.
Reading the Label is Key: To avoid hidden calories and sugars, always verify the product's nutrition label to ensure you have the unsweetened variety.

The Core Answer: Zero Calories in Original True Lemon

For anyone monitoring their caloric intake, the good news is that the original, unsweetened True Lemon packets have zero calories. The product, created by crystallizing lemon juices and oils, provides a fresh-squeezed lemon flavor without adding sugar or artificial sweeteners. This makes it a popular choice for flavoring water and recipes, especially for individuals following a calorie-restricted diet, a ketogenic diet, or during intermittent fasting. The simple ingredients—crystallized lemon (citric acid, lemon oil, and lemon juice)—are responsible for its zero-calorie status.

How Crystallized Lemon is Different

Understanding the process behind True Lemon is key to grasping its nutritional profile. Unlike powdered lemon juice or fresh lemon, the crystallized format is created through a patented process that isolates the flavor essence. While fresh lemon juice contains natural sugars and therefore some calories, the True Lemon packets contain less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, which is why the U.S. FDA allows them to be labeled as having zero calories. A single 0.8g packet offers the same flavor as one lemon wedge, but without the caloric impact.

A Tale of Two Products: Unsweetened vs. Sweetened

It is crucial to differentiate between the original unsweetened packets and True Citrus' other product lines. The company offers a variety of sweetened mixes, which do contain calories and sugar. These include:

Lemonades and Limeades: These sweetened drink mixes contain about 10 calories per stick packet. They are often made with a blend of stevia and a small amount of cane sugar to provide a sweeter taste.
Energy Drinks: While many of their energy drinks are zero-calorie and use stevia, some flavors, like Tropical Punch, contain 10 calories and 1 gram of sugar.
Kids' Drink Mixes: Developed for children, these mixes also contain 10 calories per packet, with sweetness from stevia and 2 grams of sugar.

This distinction is vital for consumers. Always read the nutrition label carefully, as the packaging for the different product types can look similar.

How to Verify Calorie Content on the Label

To ensure you are consuming the zero-calorie version, always check the nutritional panel on the box or dispenser. Look for:

Calories: The label should clearly state "Calories: 0".
Total Sugars: The label will confirm "Total Sugars: 0g".
Ingredients List: The list should be short, primarily containing citric acid, lemon oil, and lemon juice. The absence of any added sugars or sweeteners is a key indicator.

By following these simple steps, you can be certain that you're choosing the unsweetened, zero-calorie True Lemon product. For an additional resource on comparing drink mixes, see this detailed review: Watch WATCH BEFORE BUYING: True Lemon Enhancer vs ...

Comparison: True Lemon Original vs. Sweetened Lemonade


Feature	True Lemon (Original, Unsweetened)	True Lemon Original Lemonade (Sweetened)
Calories per Packet	0 calories	10 calories
Sugar per Packet	0g sugars	1g sugars
Carbohydrates	<1g carbs	3g carbs
Sweeteners	None (Unsweetened)	Stevia and cane sugar
Primary Use	Flavoring water, tea, cooking, seasoning	Sweetened water enhancement
Fasting Friendly	Yes	No, due to added sugars

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Not the Calories

In summary, the original True Lemon packets provide a guilt-free way to add a zesty, fresh lemon flavor to your beverages and food with absolutely zero calories. It is made from simple, natural ingredients and is an excellent choice for those seeking a sugar-free alternative to sugary drinks. However, the crucial point is to be aware of the brand's other sweetened products, such as the lemonades and some energy mixes, which do contain sugar and calories. Always check the packaging to confirm you have the unsweetened version if your goal is to avoid calories. For those managing weight or blood sugar, the unsweetened True Lemon packets are a smart and simple choice for staying hydrated with a burst of natural citrus flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all True Citrus products are calorie-free. The original, unsweetened True Lemon, Lime, and Orange packets have zero calories. However, the company’s sweetened products, such as the lemonades, contain 10 calories per packet.

The zero-calorie True Lemon packets are made from crystallized lemon, with the simple ingredients being citric acid, lemon oil, and lemon juice.

Yes, the unsweetened, zero-calorie True Lemon packets are a great option for adding flavor to your water during intermittent fasting, as they will not break your fast.

True Lemon uses a patented process to cold-press and crystallize the fruit's natural oils and juices, capturing the authentic lemon flavor in a convenient, calorie-free powder.

Yes, the True Lemon lemonade mixes are sweetened with a combination of stevia and a small amount of cane sugar, giving each packet about 10 calories.

While a fresh lemon contains natural sugars and some calories, the original True Lemon packets are crystallized to capture the flavor essence, resulting in a zero-calorie product.

Yes, the manufacturer suggests using True Lemon as a salt-free alternative to add a zesty flavor to foods like popcorn, chicken, or vegetables.