Lemon Squares, Lemon

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Cakes & Pastries, this product is more processed than about 16% of the 11,919 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 Squares, Lemon'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, Infused Lemon Rind (Lemon Peel Zest, Sugar, Lemon Oil Essence), Snow Sugar (Dextrose, Corn Starch, Palm Oil, Magnesium Stearate, Natural Vanilla Flavor), Blackstrap Molasses.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil, Soybean Oil, Modified Palm Oil), Margarine (Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Whey [Milk], Vegetable Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Annat To Extract [Color], Turmeric [Added For Color], Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Corn Starch).

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: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.