PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE receives a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor), primarily due to its significant **added sugar** content.
FoodScore: 38/100 (Poor) due to high added sugar.
Contains 7.1g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to empty calories.
Provides 11% DV of Vitamin C per 100g, a minor nutritional benefit.
Classified as NOVA 2, indicating it is a processed culinary ingredient.
Best consumed in moderation or as an occasional treat rather than a daily beverage.
Scores +6 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
0.4g
1% of Daily Value
Protein
0.42g
1% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7.1g
14% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin C)+2
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (7.1g)-7
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 38
PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE scores 38 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factor driving this score is its added sugar content, which is 7.1g per 100g. This contributes significantly to the 'empty calories' penalty, a deduction of 15 points, as these calories provide little nutritional value beyond energy. The presence of sugar as a direct ingredient, rather than naturally occurring sugars from fruit, is a key component of this penalty. While the product does receive some bonuses, including 2 points for its Vitamin C content (11% DV per 100g) and 8 points for being minimally processed (NOVA class 2), these are not enough to offset the substantial sugar penalty. Compared to plain water or an unsweetened beverage, which serve as the reference baseline, this PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS product offers a higher calorie count and added sugars without a proportional increase in beneficial nutrients like fiber or protein.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in pacific coast selections strawberry lemonade freshly blended juice, strawberry lemonade actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin C
PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE provides 11% Daily Value of Vitamin C per 100g. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient known for its role in immune function and as an antioxidant. While not a primary source, it can contribute to your daily intake, especially if other dietary sources are limited. This is a modest contribution, and a varied diet with whole fruits and vegetables remains the best way to meet your Vitamin C needs.
Hydration Support
Like all beverages, this strawberry lemonade contributes to overall hydration. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is crucial for many bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and organ function. While plain water is the optimal choice for hydration, flavored beverages like this can be an option for individuals who struggle to drink enough water, provided they are consumed in moderation due to the added sugar content. It can be a refreshing option on occasion.
Minimally Processed Option
This product is classified as NOVA class 2, meaning it consists of processed culinary ingredients. This indicates a lower level of processing compared to many other packaged beverages that fall into NOVA class 4 (ultra-processed foods). The ingredient list is relatively short and recognizable, containing water, strawberry puree, lemon juice, and sugar. This can be a consideration for those seeking to limit their intake of highly processed items.
PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE receives a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor), primarily due to its significant added sugar content.
How to eat it
Strawberry lemonade is typically consumed as a refreshing beverage, often alongside meals or as a standalone drink. It's commonly served chilled and can be a popular choice during warmer weather or as a sweet treat. Given its added sugar content, mindful consumption is key.
To reduce added sugar intake, consider diluting PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE with plain water or sparkling water.
Pair this beverage with a meal rich in fiber and protein, such as a salad with lean protein, to help moderate its impact on blood sugar levels.
Use a smaller serving size than the typical 8 oz to manage calorie and sugar consumption effectively.
Consider this as an occasional treat rather than a daily beverage, opting for unsweetened options like water or herbal tea most often.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE is its added sugar content. With 7.1g of added sugar per 100g, regular consumption could contribute to exceeding daily recommended limits for added sugars. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, should be particularly mindful of this. The ingredient list is straightforward, with sugar being the main concern from a nutritional perspective, and there are no common allergens declared. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that typically raise concerns for sensitive populations.
Is PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE healthy?
PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE receives a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor), primarily due to its added sugar content. While it offers some Vitamin C and is minimally processed, its nutritional profile is not considered optimal for regular consumption. It is best viewed as an occasional beverage rather than a primary source of hydration or nutrients.
How does PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE compare to other lemonades?
Compared to many other branded lemonades, such as Minute Maid Lemonade, PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE may have a similar or slightly lower added sugar content depending on the specific product. However, it still contains 7.1g of added sugar per 100g. It is generally a better choice than sodas but less beneficial than unsweetened fruit-infused water.
What is the role of 'strawberry puree' in this juice?
The 'strawberry puree' in PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE contributes to the flavor and provides some of the naturally occurring sugars and the Vitamin C content. While puree retains more fiber than clear juice, the amount of fiber in this product is still low at 0.4g per 100g. It also contributes to the overall fruit content of the beverage.
What is a reasonable portion size for this beverage?
The declared serving size is 8 fluid ounces. Given the added sugar content, consuming this portion occasionally is reasonable. For more frequent consumption, consider diluting it with water to reduce the sugar per serving, or opt for smaller portions to manage your overall intake of added sugars.
Can I drink this if I am trying to reduce my sugar intake?
If you are actively trying to reduce your sugar intake, PACIFIC COAST SELECTIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE may not be the best daily choice due to its 7.1g of added sugar per 100g. Occasional, small servings might fit into a balanced diet, but prioritizing unsweetened beverages like water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh fruit is more aligned with reducing sugar intake.