LEMON JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE WITH ADDED INGREDIENTS — OKAY

Name: LEMON JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE WITH ADDED INGREDIENTS
Brand: Safeway, Inc.

Munch or Dump rates LEMON JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE WITH ADDED INGREDIENTS by Safeway, Inc. OKAY — score 58/90.

This is reconstituted lemon juice — water plus lemon juice concentrate — with two preservatives and a touch of lemon oil for aroma. There's no sugar or filler, but the sodium benzoate and sodium bisulfite are what keep it from being a clean, fresh-squeezed product. It's a fine pantry acid to cook with, just not the same as juicing a lemon.

Why this verdict

Genuinely short list — water, lemon juice concentrate, two preservatives and lemon oil
No added sugar, sweeteners, colors or thickeners
Sodium benzoate and sodium bisulfite are added preservatives, keeping it out of MUNCH territory
Made from concentrate and reconstituted with filtered water rather than fresh-pressed

Ingredients (5)

Filtered Water (safe) — Base liquid, no concern.
lemon juice concentrate (safe) — Concentrated lemon juice for acidity and flavor.
LESS THAN OF: SODIUM BENZOATE (moderate) — Artificial preservative, safe in low amounts but indicative of processing.
SODIUM BISULFITE (concerning) — A sulfite preservative that can trigger reactions in sulfite-sensitive and asthmatic people; the label carries a sulfite allergen warning.
LEMON OIL (safe) — Natural citrus oil for aroma; cosmetic, no health impact.

Healthier alternatives

ORGANIC PURE LEMON JUICE
ORGANIC PURE LIME JUICE
APPLE JUICE