Is Sicilian Lemon Juice Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is kosher, we look for specific red flags: animal-derived enzymes, dairy derivatives, or non-kosher wine/alcohol. In the case of Sicilian Lemon Juice, the formula is remarkably clean and straightforward.

The primary ingredient is lemon juice (99.93%). Since fruit is inherently pareve (neither meat nor dairy), fresh lemon juice poses no kosher issues. The only other ingredient is potassium metabisulfites (E224). This is a synthetic preservative used to prevent oxidation and browning. It is chemically manufactured and is universally accepted as kosher. Unlike sodium benzoate, which can sometimes be derived from animal sources, E224 is not an issue here.

Furthermore, this product contains no alcohol (ethanol), which is a common concern in citrus extracts and flavorings. Because the ingredients are strictly plant-based and synthetic preservatives, Sicilian Lemon Juice is considered Pareve.

Nutritional Value

Nutritionally, this product is essentially identical to freshly squeezed lemon juice. It is extremely low in calories, containing virtually no fat or protein. The carbohydrates present are natural fruit sugars derived entirely from the lemons themselves.

Because it is highly concentrated, a small amount provides significant flavor and acidity. For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, this is an excellent condiment as the sugar impact is minimal per serving. It fits well within almost any dietary limit, provided you are not sensitive to the acidity of the citrus.