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How often should you drink Lemon Sips?

Lemon Sips are a popular canned lemonade drink sold in stores across North America. They provide a refreshing, lemony taste that many people love. But how often can you safely drink Lemon Sips? Should you have them every day or just on occasion? Here is a comprehensive look at how often you should drink Lemon Sips.

What are Lemon Sips?

Lemon Sips are a canned lemonade drink made by Keurig Dr Pepper. They first launched in the United States in 2001 and have grown in popularity since then. The ingredients are simple – filtered water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, natural flavors, yellow 5. The main appeal of Lemon Sips is their refreshing lemon taste. They provide a flavorful drink when you want something citrusy and sweet.

Nutrition Facts for Lemon Sips

Here are the basic nutrition facts for an 11.5 oz can of regular Lemon Sips:

  • 180 calories
  • 0 g fat
  • 0 mg sodium
  • 48 g carbs
  • 48 g sugar

As you can see, the main nutrients in Lemon Sips come from carbohydrates and sugar. There are 48 grams of sugar in each can, which is equivalent to about 12 teaspoons of added sugar. The high sugar content is the main thing to watch out for when drinking Lemon Sips frequently.

Benefits of Drinking Lemon Sips

Here are some of the benefits that come from drinking Lemon Sips:

  • Taste – Lemon Sips offer a refreshing, zesty lemon flavor. The sweetness makes them easy to drink and enjoy.
  • Convenience – Being canned and portable makes Lemon Sips an easy drink option when you are on the go. You don’t need to dilute them or add ice.
  • Hydration – The liquid content helps you stay hydrated, which is especially useful during hot weather or exercise.
  • Vitamin C – Lemons contain vitamin C, an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function.

Potential Downsides of Drinking Lemon Sips

There are also some potential downsides of having Lemon Sips regularly:

  • High sugar content – The 48 grams of sugar is almost four times the recommended daily limit for added sugars. Too much can impact blood sugar control.
  • Acidic – The citric acid and lemon juice can wear down tooth enamel over time and lead to dental issues.
  • Artificial ingredients – Lemon Sips contain high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors instead of natural sweeteners.
  • Low nutritional value – Aside from carbohydrates and sugar, Lemon Sips provide little in the way of important vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants.

The high amount of added sugar is the main concern with drinking Lemon Sips frequently or in large amounts. Consuming too much sugar from any source can contribute to problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. So it’s important to drink Lemon Sips in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.

How Much Sugar per Day?

Health organizations recommend limiting added sugar intake to:

  • Women: 25 grams or 6 teaspoons per day
  • Men: 36 grams or 9 teaspoons per day

One 12 oz can of Lemon Sips contains 48 grams or 12 teaspoons of added sugar. So drinking one can exceeds the daily recommended limit for men and women.

Most health experts recommend getting no more than 10% of your daily calories from added sugars. For a 2000 calorie diet that equals about 50 grams or 12 teaspoons of added sugar per day.

How Often Should You Drink Lemon Sips?

There are a few factors to consider when deciding how often to drink Lemon Sips:

  • Overall diet – If you eat a consistently healthy diet low in added sugar, an occasional Lemon Sips is fine. But be cautious if your diet is higher in sweets and processed foods overall.
  • Portion size – Drinking smaller cans or diluting with ice and water lets you enjoy the flavor with less sugar.
  • Lifestyle factors – People who are sedentary or need to manage blood sugar levels may want to limit intake more than active individuals.
  • Dental health – If you have issues like cavities or enamel erosion, limit acidic drinks like Lemon Sips.

Given the high sugar content, here are some general guidelines on how often it’s safe to drink Lemon Sips:

  • Healthy adults – 2 to 3 times per week
  • Children & teens – 1 time per week or less
  • People with diabetes or blood sugar issues – Occasional treat
  • Anyone with dental problems – Avoid completely or very infrequently

Drinking Lemon Sips every day is not recommended due to the amount of sugar. But having them a few times a week can be safe for most healthy adults. Just be cautious with portion sizes and account for the sugar content as part of your total daily intake.

Tips for Drinking Lemon Sips

Here are some tips to keep in mind when drinking Lemon Sips:

  • Drink over ice to dilute and decrease sugar content.
  • Opt for smaller portion cans or bottles.
  • Limit yourself to half a can at a time.
  • Avoid drinking on an empty stomach which can cause blood sugar spikes.
  • Drink slowly – don’t gulp it down since this spikes blood sugar.
  • Rinse mouth with water after to wash away acidity.
  • Avoid drinking within an hour of bedtime as sugar and acidity can harm teeth overnight.

The Bottom Line

Lemon Sips provide a tasty lemonade drink but are high in added sugar. Drinking them in moderation as an occasional treat is fine for most healthy adults and kids. But they should be limited to 2 to 3 times per week at most. Consuming Lemon Sips daily is not recommended due to their sugar content, acidity, and lack of nutrients. Enjoy Lemon Sips in sensible portions and account for their sugar content as part of your total daily carbohydrate and calorie intake.