Lemon

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Lemon healthy?

Lemon scores 92/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. Lemons are a minimally processed whole food with a rich nutritional profile, including vitamin C, citric acid, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron.

How processed is Lemon?

Lemon is NOVA Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Lemon's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Amino Acids, Magnesium, Vitamin C count in its favor; Limonene, Linalool, β-Pinene are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Lemon

92 Excellent

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

$0.58 · $0.58 / count
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 8
Harmful ingredients 3
Category Fruits
Summary

Lemons are a minimally processed whole food with a rich nutritional profile, including vitamin C, citric acid, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron. These natural components contribute to their health benefits, such as supporting immune function and enhancing iron absorption. The absence of harmful additives and the presence of beneficial nutrients make lemons a highly rated food choice.

Key ingredients 14

Vitamin C
Very Good

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. Lemons are an excellent source of this vitamin, enhancing their nutritional value. It also aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Benefits

Boosts immune function and promotes healthy skin.

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Amino Acids
Good

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for various bodily functions. They are naturally present in lemons, contributing to their nutritional profile. These compounds support muscle repair and growth.

Benefits

Essential for protein synthesis and overall health maintenance.

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Magnesium
Good

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It is naturally found in lemons, contributing to their health benefits. Adequate magnesium intake supports muscle and nerve function.

Benefits

Supports muscle and nerve function, and helps maintain a healthy immune system.

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Copper
Good

Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in iron metabolism and the formation of red blood cells. It is naturally present in lemons, contributing to their nutritional profile. Adequate copper intake supports cardiovascular health.

Benefits

Supports cardiovascular health and aids in iron metabolism.

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Iron
Good

Iron is a crucial mineral for the production of hemoglobin and oxygen transport in the blood. Lemons contain small amounts of iron, which can be beneficial when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The presence of vitamin C in lemons enhances iron absorption.

Benefits

Essential for oxygen transport and energy production.

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B Vitamins
Good

B vitamins are essential for energy production and the maintenance of healthy skin and nerves. Lemons contain several B vitamins, contributing to their overall nutritional value. These vitamins support metabolic processes and brain function.

Benefits

Supports energy production and brain health.

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Manganese
Good

Manganese is a trace mineral important for bone formation and nutrient metabolism. It is naturally present in lemons, adding to their nutritional benefits. Manganese also plays a role in antioxidant defense.

Benefits

Supports bone health and antioxidant defense.

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Calcium
Good

Calcium is essential for bone health and muscle function. Lemons contain small amounts of calcium, which can contribute to daily intake when consumed regularly. It is a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Benefits

Supports bone and dental health.

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Water
Neutral

Water is the base of the formulation — inert.

Benefits

Crucial for maintaining hydration and supporting metabolic processes.

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Sugars
Neutral

Sugars in lemons are naturally occurring and provide a mild sweetness. They are present in small amounts, contributing to the fruit's flavor profile. Unlike refined sugars, these are part of the whole food matrix.

Risks

Excessive sugar intake can lead to health issues, but the natural sugars in lemons are minimal.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of energy and enhances the flavor of lemons.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Common acidulant and preservative — safe at typical use levels, neither beneficial nor harmful.

Benefits

Acts as an antioxidant and may help improve mineral absorption.

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Limonene
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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Linalool
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

May provide calming effects and support relaxation.

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β-Pinene
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

May support respiratory health and reduce inflammation.

See more about β-Pinene →

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

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