What is lemon-lime soda and how is it made?
Lemon-lime soda is a clear, carbonated soft drink flavored with lemon and lime notes. Typical ingredients are carbonated water, a sweetener (sugar or high fructose corn syrup), citric acid, natural flavors and a few additives. Brands include 7UP and Sprite; the details vary by brand and country.
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What is lemon-lime soda?
Lemon-lime soda is a clear, carbonated soft drink with a citrus flavor that blends lemon and lime. It is sold in regular and zero-sugar versions and is also used as a mixer. Well-known brands include 7UP and Sprite; many stores sell their own.
What is in lemon-lime soda?
A US 7UP listing shows these ingredients: filtered carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, potassium citrate, natural flavors and calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor). Some products use sugar instead of corn syrup. A Sprite listing shows carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate and sodium benzoate. Check the label for your region.
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Carbonated water | Fizz and base |
| Sugar or corn syrup | Sweetness |
| Citric acid | Tartness |
| Citrate salts | Balance acidity |
| Natural flavors | Lemon-lime taste; exact recipe not public |
How is it made?
In general, soft drinks are made by dissolving sweetener, acid and flavors into a syrup, mixing it with chilled, treated water and adding carbon dioxide under pressure, then filling and sealing cans or bottles. This is the general process, and exact methods are proprietary. It is not a home recipe of lemon juice and sugar, although a homemade version of lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and sparkling water is easy.
How much sugar does it contain?
A product page for 7UP gives about 10.6 g sugar per 100 ml, which scales to about 53 g in a 500 ml bottle. Zero-sugar versions use other sweeteners. Check the label, as amounts vary by brand and country.
Is it caffeine free?
Many lemon-lime sodas are sold as caffeine free. The ingredient lists above do not include caffeine, but check the pack. This is general information.
People also ask
What is lemon-lime soda made of?
Carbonated water, sugar or high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors and usually a preservative or flavor protector. The recipe varies by brand.
How much sugar is in lemon-lime soda?
A 7UP listing shows about 10.6 g per 100 ml, about 53 g per 500 ml bottle. Check your label.
What is the difference between 7UP and Sprite?
Both are lemon-lime sodas with slightly different ingredient lists and flavor. One lists potassium citrate and calcium disodium EDTA, the other sodium citrate and sodium benzoate.
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