The Sweeteners in True Lemon Drink Mixes
True Lemon sweetened products utilize stevia leaf extract as the primary sweetener, supplemented by a small amount of cane sugar to enhance flavor and reduce any potential stevia aftertaste. Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener sourced from the Stevia Rebaudiana plant, extracted by True Citrus using a water-based method. Cane sugar is included minimally to create a balanced taste profile without significantly increasing the sugar or calorie content; for example, True Lemon Original Lemonade contains only 1 gram of added sugar and 10 calories per packet.
Nutritional Profile: What to Expect
True Lemon sweetened drink mixes are known for their simple, natural ingredients, free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup. Key aspects of their nutritional profile include being low in calories (10 per packet) and low in sugar (1g per packet). Ingredients typically include crystallized lemon, natural sweeteners, flavors, and colors. Importantly, they contain no artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium or aspartame.
Sweetened vs. Unsweetened True Citrus Products
True Lemon offers both sweetened drink mixes (with stevia and cane sugar) and unsweetened crystallized citrus packets. The unsweetened option provides pure citrus flavor with zero calories and zero sugar.
| Feature | Sweetened True Lemon Drink Mixes | Unsweetened Crystallized True Lemon |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Stevia leaf extract and cane sugar | None |
| Calories | 10 calories per packet | 0 calories per packet |
| Sugar | 1g per packet | 0g per packet |
| Carbohydrates | 3g per packet | <1g per packet |
| Primary Use | Enhancing water with a sweet, lemonade-like flavor | Adding fresh lemon flavor to water, beverages, cooking, and baking |
How to Choose the Right True Lemon Product
Selecting between sweetened and unsweetened True Lemon products depends on your needs. Sweetened mixes are suitable for a low-calorie, sweet beverage. Unsweetened packets are ideal for adding pure citrus flavor to drinks, cooking, or baking without sweetness. Both types use simple, Non-GMO ingredients and real fruit extracts. Details on specific ingredients are available on packaging or the {Link: True Citrus official FAQ page https://www.truecitrus.com/pages/faqs}.
Conclusion
True Lemon's sweetened drink mixes use a blend of natural stevia leaf extract and a small amount of cane sugar for a balanced, low-calorie flavor without artificial sweeteners. The unsweetened crystallized packets offer a pure citrus taste. The brand is known for its simple, Non-GMO ingredients, providing healthier drink options.
