Lemon Bars

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Glucose, Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Soybean, Cottonseed)): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Other Additives (Stabilizer (Carrageenan, Sucrose, Calcium Sulfate, Tara Gum)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Natural Flavors (Vanilla): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Cookies & Crackers, this product is more processed than about 51% of the 18,630 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 Bars' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum. Topping: Dextrose.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Egg Yolks (Egg Yolk, Sugar), Sugar, Brown Sugar (Sucrose, Invert Sugar, Cane Molasses).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lemon Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Yellow Color (Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Glycerine, Fd&C Yellow 5 [Eh102], Sugar, Modified Food Starch, Carrageenan, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate [As Preservative], Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid). Crust: Graham Crumb (Enriched Wheat Flour [Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Graham Flour, Sugar, Palm Oil, Brown Sugar [Sucrose, Invert Sugar, Cane Molasses], Honey, Salt, Baking Soda, Artificial Flavor)Enriched Wheat Flour (Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.