# Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Polar - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Beverages - **Size:** 33.80 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/polar-mixer-bitter-lemon-3380-oz - **Slug:** `polar-mixer-bitter-lemon-3380-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, emulsifiers like brominated vegetable oil, EDTA, gums, and 'natural flavors') and is formulated as a ready-to-drink, highly processed mixer, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultraprocessed). ## Review Polar Mixer Bitter Lemon is a bright, effervescent soft drink sold in a clear 33.8 fl oz bottle that you’d find in the refrigerated mixer aisle or with premium sodas and cocktail mixers near tonic waters and club soda. The label leans into heritage—“family made since 1882”—and a simple recycling reminder, signaling old-world roots even as the ingredient list reads modern. This is a drink built for entertaining: shoppers buy it for at-home cocktail hours, backyard gatherings, and as a nonalcoholic refreshment for guests. It works as a mixer for gin and vodka cocktails or as a standalone bitter-sweet sparkling lemon soda at parties and bar carts. Brand positioning blends small-family legacy with a slightly upscale mixer identity; marketing targets adults who enjoy classic cocktail rituals and retailers aiming for premium mixer cross-merchandising. The label uses cues that can create a “natural” halo—lemon juice from concentrate, “natural flavors,” and minimal flashy graphics—yet it carries no organic or health-certification claims. In plain terms, this is a heavily processed convenience beverage with multiple functional additives (preservatives, emulsifiers, flavor protectants) included to stabilize flavor and appearance. Sensory notes: bright carbonation, a pronounced bittersweet lemon profile with quinine’s faint medicinal edge, and a syrupy sweetness tempered by citric bite; mouthfeel is slick from added gums and sweetener. Packaging is a convenient resealable plastic bottle intended for shared pours; the ritual is utilitarian and social—grab a chilled bottle to top a glass of gin, to mix into pitchers, or to reach for during casual get-togethers. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 8.0 - **Servings per container:** 4 - **Calories:** 110 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 30g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 30g - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Lemon Juice from Concentrate, Acacia Gum, Potassium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural Flavors, Ester Gum, Quinine, Calcium Disodium EDTA (to Protect Flavor), Brominated Vegetable Oil. ## Flagged ingredients - **Ester Gum** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Potassium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, weekend-brunch, road-trip - **Vibes:** nostalgic, practical, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon healthy? Health is a bit of a moving target, isn’t it? While Polar Mixer is fun and fizzy, it does pack a punch with 30 grams of sugar per serving, which is pretty high. If you're looking for a refreshing drink for a special occasion or a mixer for cocktails, it fits the bill, but daily hydration might be better served with something a bit less sugary. ### Is Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon vegan? Nope, Polar Mixer isn't vegan. One of the ingredients, acacia gum, is plant-derived, but the presence of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) raises some eyebrows among strict vegans due to the processing methods involved. So, if you’re avoiding all animal-derived products, this one’s not for you. ### Is Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon gluten-free? Absolutely! Polar Mixer is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can enjoy it without worrying about hidden gluten—cheers to that! ### Does Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in Polar Mixer. It’s a straightforward blend of carbonated water, sweeteners, and flavors, so you can sip without that concern. Seed oils can be a hot topic, but in this case, you’re in the clear. ### Does Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! Polar Mixer is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, which is a natural sweetener but not artificial. So if you're avoiding those tricky artificial sweeteners, you can feel good about this choice—just keep an eye on the sugar content! ### Is Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon high in sugar? Yes, it certainly is! With 30 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving, it’s on the higher side. If you’re managing your sugar intake, you might want to enjoy this as an occasional treat rather than a daily beverage. ### What are healthier alternatives to Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon? If you're looking for something a bit lighter, try sparkling water with a splash of fresh lemon juice or a hint of natural fruit essence. There are also flavored sparkling waters with no sugars added that can give you that bubbly satisfaction without the extra calories. ### Can kids drink Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon? Sure, kids can enjoy Polar Mixer in moderation! Just keep in mind the high sugar content—it's a fun treat, but not something to have every day. Consider offering it during special occasions or as a fun mixer for mocktails! ### Is Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon good for weight loss? If you're aiming for weight loss, Polar Mixer might not be the best ally. With its high sugar content, it could contribute extra calories that may not leave you feeling satisfied. Opting for lower-calorie drinks could be a more strategic choice in your weight loss journey. ### Is Polar Mixer, Bitter Lemon ultra-processed? Yes, it does fall into the ultra-processed category. With ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and preservatives, it’s more than just your basic lemonade. But hey, sometimes a little indulgence is part of enjoying life, right? ## Related products - [Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea, Decaffeinated Green](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/celestial-seasonings-herbal-tea-decaffeinated-green-20-ct) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/celestial-seasonings-herbal-tea-decaffeinated-green-20-ct - [Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea, Raspberry Zinger](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/celestial-seasonings-herbal-tea-raspberry-zinger-20-ct) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/celestial-seasonings-herbal-tea-raspberry-zinger-20-ct - [Tetley Green Tea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tetley-green-tea-72-ct) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tetley-green-tea-72-ct - [Maxwell House Ground Coffee, Lite](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maxwell-house-ground-coffee-lite-11-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/maxwell-house-ground-coffee-lite-11-oz - [Propel Zero Sugar Grape Electrolyte Water Beverage 6 ea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/propel-zero-sugar-grape-electrolyte-water-beverage-6-ea-10140-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/propel-zero-sugar-grape-electrolyte-water-beverage-6-ea-10140-oz - [Capri Sun Juice, Roarin' Waters Fruit Punch](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/capri-sun-juice-roarin-waters-fruit-punch-60-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/capri-sun-juice-roarin-waters-fruit-punch-60-oz - [San Pellegrino Sparkling Beverage, 6 Pack, Pompelo](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sanpellegrino-san-pellegrino-sparkling-beverage-6-pack-pompelo-6690-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sanpellegrino-san-pellegrino-sparkling-beverage-6-pack-pompelo-6690-oz - [Propel Kiwi Strawberry 12 Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/propel-kiwi-strawberry-12-pack-20280-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/propel-kiwi-strawberry-12-pack-20280-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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