Does Citrus Salad contain dairy or gluten?

No, the ingredient list for Citrus Salad contains no dairy (milk, cheese, whey) or gluten (wheat, barley, rye). It is safe for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

Is Citrus Salad good for weight loss?

It is low in calories due to the use of artificial sweeteners, but the lack of fiber may leave you less full than eating whole fruit. It can be a tool for calorie control, but whole fruit is generally more satiating.

Where can I buy Citrus Salad?

Canned or packaged fruit salads like this are typically available at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Kroger, as well as online through Amazon.

Is Citrus Salad safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. However, the sugar alcohols (sorbitol) can cause stomach upset in sensitive individuals, so moderation is recommended.

Is Citrus Salad Kosher?

Yes, Citrus Salad is kosher. Based on a detailed review of its ingredient profile, this product contains no animal derivatives, alcohol, or hidden non-kosher additives. It is a safe choice for those adhering to kosher dietary laws.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the label to the chemical composition of food. When determining if a product like Citrus Salad is kosher, the primary concern is the source of additives, specifically preservatives and sweeteners. The fruit base—red and white grapefruit and oranges—is inherently kosher. The scrutiny falls on the processing agents.

First, we look at the preservatives: potassium sorbate and citric acid. Potassium sorbate is a synthetically produced salt of sorbic acid. It is not derived from animals, making it inherently kosher and pareve. Similarly, citric acid is commercially produced via the fermentation of molasses or corn syrup, usually by the fungus Aspergillus niger. It is vegan and kosher.

Next, the sweeteners and texture agents: sorbitol, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol derived from glucose, typically from corn starch. It is chemically synthesized and free of animal products. Acesulfame potassium and sucralose are artificial sweeteners created in a laboratory setting; they are not animal-derived and do not pose kosher issues. Finally, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is used to prevent browning. It is usually synthesized from glucose and is completely kosher.

Nutritional Value

While this Citrus Salad is kosher, its nutritional profile is engineered for shelf stability and low-calorie appeal rather than whole-food nutrition. The fruit provides natural sugars (fructose) and fiber, but the addition of sucralose and acesulfame potassium indicates a significant reduction in sugar content compared to fresh fruit.

The product uses sorbitol, which adds sweetness and texture but can cause digestive discomfort (gas or bloating) in individuals sensitive to sugar alcohols. Because the fruit is preserved in syrup (water + sweeteners), the calorie count is likely lower than fresh fruit in syrup, but the lack of fiber due to processing means the sugar spike may be faster. It fits into a low-fat diet easily, but the sodium content (from potassium sorbate) is negligible.