Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Lemon Drops Flavored Candy, Lemon Drops: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Mixed integrity
Great Value lemon drops flavored candy, lemon drops received a Food Integrity Score of 56 out of 100 (mixed integrity). This reflects highly processed and high additive load. This candy contains multiple refined ingredients like sugar and corn syrup, along with synthetic colors such as Yellow 5. These contribute to a more processed nature. While fun as an occasional treat, looking for options with fewer artificial colors and more natural ingredients might be better for regular consumption. Main considerations include additive load, ingredient concern, and family watchlist. Simpler options: Look for products with natural colorings; choose candies with fewer artificial additives.
Food Integrity Score 56/100
What stood out on the label?
- Highly processed
- High additive load
- Transparency: Very low
What to watch?
- Additive load
- Ingredient concern
- Family Watchlist
Simpler options to consider
- Look for products with natural colorings
- Choose candies with fewer artificial additives
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Food Quality Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Great Value Lemon Drops Flavored Candy, Lemon Drops
- Brand
- Great Value
- Category
- Sweets & Desserts (source: Candy)
- GTIN / UPC
00078742050751- Serving size
- 14 g (3 PIECES)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Food Quality Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Lemon Drops Flavored Candy, Lemon Drops
Great Value
Mixed integrity
Warning Signs
Watch out for Yellow 5, a controversial synthetic color associated with factory-made foods.
Consider This
Sugar, corn syrup, and artificial color signal a heavily processed candy.
Good Substitutes
Consider homemade lemon candies using fresh lemon and simple syrup.
Overall Assessment
Mixed integrityThis candy contains multiple refined ingredients like sugar and corn syrup, along with synthetic colors such as Yellow 5. These contribute to a more processed nature. While fun as an occasional treat, looking for options with fewer artificial colors and more natural ingredients might be better for regular consumption.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Additive load
- Ingredient concern
- Family Watchlist
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- SUGAR — Refined sweetener
- CORN SYRUP — Refined sweetener
- TITANIUM DIOXIDE (COLOR) — Controversial additive
- YELLOW 5 — Synthetic dye
Highest concern ingredients
- YELLOW 5 (7/10) — Synthetic color additive used in artificial foods.
Better choice tips
- Look for products with natural colorings.
- Choose candies with fewer artificial additives.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, CITRIC ACID, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, LEMON OIL, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (COLOR), MALIC ACID, YELLOW 5.
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
YELLOW 5Concern 7/10 — Higher concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Artificial color
Additional note
Synthetic color additive
Family watchlist
Synthetic dye
TITANIUM DIOXIDE (COLOR)Concern 6/10 — Moderate concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used for bright white color
Additional note
Color enhancer
Family watchlist
Controversial additive
CORN SYRUPConcern 4/10 — Mild concernSweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
A processed sweet syrup
Additional note
Refined sweetener syrup
Family watchlist
Refined sweetener
SUGARConcern 3/10 — Mild concernSweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Adds sweetness, but is refined
Additional note
Refined sweetener
View all 8 ingredient assessments
CITRIC ACIDConcern 2/10 — Very low concernAcidulantAdditive
What this is
Acidulant
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Adds tangy flavor
Additional note
Sourness agent
LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATEConcern 2/10 — Very low concernFlavoring
What this is
Flavoring
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Concentrated flavor
Additional note
Concentrated fruit extract
LEMON OILConcern 1/10 — Very low concernFlavoring
What this is
Flavoring
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Natural flavoring
Additional note
Natural oil extract
MALIC ACIDConcern 1/10 — Very low concernAcidulantAdditive
What this is
Acidulant
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Enhances tartness
Additional note
Flavor enhancer
The Food Integrity score is not a safety rating or medical recommendation. Results reflect label contents only. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Low-Spike Stability
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
GLP-1 Eating Support
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "corn syrup". See ingredients for details.)
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "corn syrup". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "corn syrup", "sugar", "syrup". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "corn syrup", "sugar", "syrup". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "corn". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Heart-Healthy Eating
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Workout Recovery
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Strength & Protein Focus
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Vegetarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Vegan
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Plant-Based
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Pescatarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Gluten Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Great Value Lemon Drops Flavored Candy, Lemon Drops highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Highly processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Great Value Lemon Drops Flavored Candy, Lemon Drops shows about 0g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Lemon Drops Flavored Candy, Lemon Drops: 10g added sugar per serving. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Simple ingredients; Low fat.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: High sugar content; Artificial colors; No fiber.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same sweets & desserts differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Food Quality Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Food Quality Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Food Quality Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
Also available in the app
