Menu
McDonalds Menu
Flavor:
Lemonade
Ingredients:
Water, Cane Sugar, Lemon Juice From Concentrate, Lemon Pulp, Natural Flavors. Ice
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the McDonald’s Menu Lemonade falls short of the clean food standards set forth on our website. This beverage, while simple in its list of ingredients, harbors elements that detract significantly from its healthfulness.
The product is not organic, a factor that removes 10 points from its score right away. Additionally, there is no assurance that the ingredients are non-GMO, resulting in another 10-point deduction. The presence of added sugars, specifically cane sugar, is a major concern, not only because of the general health implications associated with added sugars but also due to the negative impact of cane sugar specifically, which accounts for a combined 30-point reduction. The inclusion of “Natural Flavors” is another red flag, as this term can often mask a variety of undisclosed additives, leading to a further 20-point deduction.
The ingredients list reveals the use of water, cane sugar, lemon juice from concentrate, lemon pulp, and natural flavors. While lemon pulp and lemon juice from concentrate may provide some nutritional benefits, the benefits are overshadowed by the downsides of the other ingredients. The use of cane sugar as an added sweetener is a significant drawback, considering the current climate of health consciousness and the push for reducing added sugars in diets.
Moreover, the term “Natural Flavors” is problematic. It is a broad and non-specific term that does not provide transparency about the actual substances used to create the lemonade’s taste. This lack of clarity is concerning for consumers seeking pure and uncomplicated food products.
The McDonald’s Menu Lemonade, therefore, receives a low rating for its departure from the principles of clean eating. Its non-organic status, use of GMOs, added sugars, and ambiguous natural flavors are the primary factors that tarnish its standing on our scale. The product would benefit greatly from a reformulation that focuses on organic, non-GMO ingredients and the elimination of unnecessary additives and added sugars.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
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