Beverages

Beverages, Lemonade, powder

FDC 174858serving (18 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 12 · -17 vs Beverages median

Powdered lemonade mix scores 12 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band placement ranking 37th of 60 in Beverages. Per serving it delivers a surprising 59% DV of magnesium and 44% DV of vitamin C, both excellent showings for a drink mix, even though carbohydrate makes up the bulk of its 376 calories per 100 g.

The powder is meant to be stirred into cold water, with an 18 g serving making roughly a glass of lemonade rather than eaten straight. The tradeoff for its fortified minerals is sugar: at 94.7 g per 100 g of powder it is almost entirely sweetener by weight, and lemonade powder, prepared with water, scores higher once it is diluted to drinking strength.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around beverages, lemonade, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 0 g · 0%Carb 97.6 g · 98%Fat 1.1 g · 2%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories376 kcal19%
Total fat1.1 g1%
Saturated fat0.15 g1%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium51 mg2%
Carbohydrate98 g35%
Dietary fiber0.4 g1%
Sugars95 g
Protein0 g0%
Potassium147 mg3%
Calcium20 mg2%
Iron0.19 mg1%
Magnesium247 mg59%
Vitamin C40 mg44%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.14 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 174858

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Magnesium59% DV
Vitamin C44% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the beverages median

Nutrient density12 vs 29 median
Protein / 100 g0 vs 0.2 median
Fiber / 100 g0.4 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g51 vs 12 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Beverages, chocolate syrupDensity 13 vs 12Lemonade, powder, prepared with waterDensity 14 vs 12Beverages, Clam and tomato juice, cannedDensity 15 vs 12

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Lemonade powder is a granulated drink mix built from sugar, citric acid, lemon flavoring and often a vitamin C fortification, designed to dissolve into a glass of cold water for an instant tart-sweet lemonade without squeezing a single lemon. It's a picnic and lunchbox staple, sold in canisters or single-serve packets, and works equally well stirred into iced tea for an Arnold Palmer or used as a souring agent in a marinade. The powder itself is fine and slightly clumpy, dissolving quickly with a stir or shake, and it's a common substitute wherever a recipe calls for lemon flavor but fresh lemons aren't on hand.

Per 100 g it's concentrated: 376 calories, 97.6 g carbohydrate and 94.7 g sugar, so a single scoop for one glass goes a long way and there's no need to measure generously. It stands out for fortification rather than base nutrition, supplying 44% of the daily value for vitamin C and 59% for magnesium in this dry form, numbers worth knowing since the tart flavor gives no hint of the fortification underneath. Store the canister sealed and away from humidity, since the fine crystals clump quickly if moisture gets in, and a resealable lid keeps it pourable for months of use.

Frequently asked questions about beverages, lemonade

How many calories are in lemonade powder?

The dry powder has 376 calories per 100 g, though only a small scoop is used per glass of water.

Is lemonade powder a good source of vitamin C?

Yes, this powder is fortified to provide 44% of the daily value for vitamin C, along with 59% for magnesium.

How do you store lemonade powder?

Keep the canister tightly sealed in a dry cupboard, since the fine crystals absorb moisture and clump easily.

View the USDA source record