No Erythritol in True Lemon Products
True Lemon products do not contain erythritol. The manufacturer, True Citrus, confirms this across their product line, including unsweetened and sweetened options. Many other beverage mixes, however, do contain a blend of non-nutritive sweeteners and sugar alcohols like erythritol.
Sweetener Alternatives Used by True Citrus
Instead of erythritol, True Citrus uses other sweetening methods. Their low-calorie sweetened drink mixes, such as Original Lemonade or Raspberry Lemonade, use stevia leaf extract and a small amount of cane sugar. Unsweetened crystallized products contain zero calories and zero grams of sugar, providing only citrus flavor.
Why the Confusion?
Erythritol and other sugar alcohols are widely used in the food and beverage industry, leading to frequent questions from consumers about their presence in products like True Lemon. True Citrus has addressed this publicly, particularly in light of studies raising concerns about erythritol.
True Lemon Ingredients Overview
Here is a look at the ingredients in some True Lemon products:
Unsweetened Crystallized True Lemon Packets These contain only crystallized lemon, with no added sugar or sweeteners.
- Crystallized Lemon [Citric Acid, Lemon Oil, Lemon Juice]
True Lemon Original Lemonade Drink Mix This sweetened version uses a combination of ingredients.
- Crystallized Lemon [Citric Acid, Lemon Oil, Lemon Juice]
- Cane Sugar
- Stevia Leaf Extract
- Natural Flavor
- Turmeric (for color)
True Lemon Energy Drink Mix This product is sweetened with stevia and contains caffeine.
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavor
- Stevia Leaf Extract
- Beet Juice (for color)
- Caffeine
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
- Lemon Juice Solids
Comparison: True Lemon vs. Other Drink Mixes
Comparing True Lemon to other brands highlights differences in sweetener choices.
| Feature | True Lemon (Sweetened Mix) | Other Drink Mix Brands (May contain erythritol) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Stevia and a touch of cane sugar | Often use a blend including erythritol |
| Sugar Alcohol | Contains none | Frequently includes erythritol, sorbitol, or xylitol |
| Flavor Source | Real lemon oils and juice | Can use natural or artificial flavoring |
| Calories | 0-10 calories, depending on the product | Varies widely, but often low-calorie or zero-calorie |
| Health Concerns | Stevia and minimal sugar generally well-tolerated | Potential digestive issues for some people with sugar alcohols |
Conclusion
True Lemon products do not contain erythritol. By using stevia leaf extract and a small amount of cane sugar in sweetened options, True Lemon offers an alternative to brands using erythritol. The company's transparency about using real citrus and simple ingredients allows consumers to make informed dietary choices. For specific ingredient details, refer to the official True Citrus website.
