Lemon & Pepper Seasoning — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Lemon & Pepper Seasoning by P$T... DUMP — score 20/90.

A simple-sounding spice blend dragged into junk territory by Yellow 5 Lake, an artificial petroleum-derived dye in something you'd otherwise expect to be just pepper and lemon.

Why this verdict

• Yellow 5 Lake — a synthetic petroleum-derived dye with no flavor purpose, only color
• Salt is the #1 ingredient; this is sodium first, spice second
• Added sugar and vague 'natural flavors' pad a list that should just be pepper and lemon
• Flagged NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed) by Open Food Facts

Ingredients (7)

• Salt (moderate) — Ready meals tend to run salt-heavy; watch the sodium.
• Spices (black pepper, celery seed) (safe) — Genuine whole spices — the one good part of this blend.
• citric acid (safe) — Common acidulant for tartness; harmless in this amount but can be rough on tooth enamel.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added sugar sitting ahead of cocoa; the main flavor driver here.
• Silicon dioxide (anticaking agent) (moderate) — Keeps powder free-flowing; inert but a processing tell.
• Natural Flavors (moderate) — Catch-all term for an undisclosed flavor blend — not harmful, but it undercuts a 'clean' label and isn't really 'no artificial' transparency.
• YELLOW 5 LAKE (concerning) — Tartrazine; associated with hyperactivity and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.