Lemon Bar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Lemon Bar scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Emulsifiers (Vegetable Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Snack & Energy Bars, this product is more processed than about 65% of the 8,001 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Lemon Bar's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Lemon Flavored Bits (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Coconut Oil, Color Added, Sunflower Lecithin, Soy Lecithin, Milk), Sugarcane Fiber, Fructose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Canola, Palm, Palm Kernel).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Malic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)Added To Retain Freshness.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.