Gu, Hydration Drink Tabs, Lemon Lime

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

In our analysis, Gu, Hydration Drink Tabs, Lemon Lime scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Sugar Alcohols (Xylitol): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Drink Mixes, this product is more processed than about 30% of the 4,985 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 Gu, Hydration Drink Tabs, Lemon Lime'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.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Bicarbonate.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Bicarbonate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Stevia Leaf Extract, Cane Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Safflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Riboflavin (As Color).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.