Panera Bread

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Panera Bread Mango Yuzu Citrus Charged Lemonade offers a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking a cleaner beverage choice. This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which detracts from its overall clean food score. In addition, the presence of added sugars and potentially harmful additives further reduces its standing.

The Mango Yuzu Citrus Charged Lemonade comprises a caffeinated mango yuzu citrus flavored syrup and an agave lemonade base. The syrup includes apple juice concentrate, sugar, caffeine sources such as coffee extract and guarana extract, acerola powder rich in Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, and natural flavors. Beta-carotene is used to impart color to the beverage. The agave lemonade base is a blend of water, sugar, lemon juice, lemon juice concentrate, agave, and natural flavors.

This product’s formulation raises concerns due to the inclusion of sugar and citric acid as added sugars. These ingredients contribute to the sweetness of the drink but are often linked to negative health effects when consumed in excess. Additionally, the term ‘natural flavors’ in the ingredient list is associated with the use of potentially harmful additives, which can be a point of caution for consumers seeking transparency and simplicity in their food choices.

Despite these concerns, the beverage does offer some positive attributes, such as the use of acerola powder, a natural source of Vitamin C, and the absence of artificial colors, with beta-carotene providing a natural alternative.

The Mango Yuzu Citrus Charged Lemonade by Panera Bread lands squarely in the middle of the spectrum. It is neither the epitome of a clean food product nor is it among the most problematic offerings in the market. Consumers looking for a moderately clean option may consider this product, keeping in mind the balance between its positive aspects and the areas where it falls short of the ideal.