Is 100% Lemon Juice Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing whether a processed food fits a vegan lifestyle, we must look beyond the main flavor profile and inspect the additives. In the case of 100% Lemon Juice, the primary ingredients are LEMON JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE and water. These are entirely plant-derived. However, the vegan status often hinges on the preservatives and flavor enhancers used to maintain shelf stability.

Let's look at the specific additives listed. The product contains SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM METABISULFITE, and SODIUM SULFITE. These are synthetic salt compounds used to prevent spoilage and oxidation. They are produced chemically in a laboratory setting, not extracted from animals, making them vegan-friendly. Finally, we see LEMON OIL. This is simply oil extracted from lemon peels. It is purely plant material. There are no hidden animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, dairy, or shellac in this list.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, 100% Lemon Juice is a low-calorie, zero-fat liquid, which aligns well with various diet limits. A standard serving typically contains negligible amounts of sugar (less than 1g) and zero fat. It is primarily water with citric acid and trace vitamins. Because it is low in calories and sugar, it is generally considered a healthy addition to water or recipes, provided you do not have specific sensitivities to the preservatives like sulfites.