Store-Bought Lemonade, Ranked From Worst To Best

12. Turkey Hill lemonade

Turkey Hill lemonade is an excellent budget-friendly option, but its flavor lacks the strong lemony punch found in other brands. The sweetness is quite pronounced, giving it the impression of a sugar syrup with a hint of lemon rather than authentic lemonade. The bright yellow hue was somewhat off-putting, and from the first sip to the last, we felt disappointed with this beverage. It didn't provide the refreshing experience we anticipated and tasted more like sugary juices or even soda than true lemonade.

Priced at approximately $1.50 for a 1-gallon jug, it is significantly cheaper than some other brands on our list, which is a major incentive for choosing Turkey Hill lemonade. It could work well for serving a group or mixing with other juices and sodas. However, when compared to lemonades made with real lemon juice and less sugar, the differences become quite apparent. Ultimately, the overly sweet flavor is what placed this lemonade at the bottom of our rankings.

11. Black River lemonade

Lemons and limes aren't always interchangeable, but we were thrilled to see that the Black River classic lemonade features both citrus fruits. With the lime adding a touch of sweetness, we anticipated a more intricate flavor profile than just standard lemonade. Unfortunately, it turned out to be overly sweet and lacked the tartness that typically makes this beverage so refreshing.

The ingredients list for Black River lemonade includes only water, cane sugar, concentrated lemon juice, concentrated lime juice, and natural flavor. We expected a nice balance of citrus flavor from fresh ingredients, but instead, it had a pronounced artificial taste, likely stemming from the unspecified natural flavors in the mix. While the lime adds a unique twist, both the lemon and lime juices are from concentrate and didn't deliver the freshness we appreciated in some other options.

Packaged in a glass container, this lemonade may appeal to those looking to avoid plastic. However, it retails for over $6.50 for less than 40 ounces, making it the priciest lemonade on our list. Aside from the glass packaging, we struggle to find a compelling reason to choose this drink when there are numerous alternatives that offer better ingredients, superior taste, and lower prices.

10. Uncle Matt's organic lemonade

Uncle Matt's lemonade features organic ingredients and stevia for a sugar-free alternative, but we found the flavor lacking. It didn't have the expected tartness, and the sweetness felt slightly off. Although stevia is derived from a natural source, the lemonade had a pronounced artificial taste. Since stevia is sweeter than sugar, even the small amount used in this lemonade diminished the usual tartness we anticipated.

Additionally, Uncle Matt's juices are not readily available; we had to visit two different supermarkets to find this bottle. We sampled the classic lemonade, but we also noticed a strawberry lemonade option at the store. The Uncle Matt's website mentions a ginger honey flavor that piques our interest, but we couldn't locate it anywhere.

Uncle Matt's lemonade is on the pricier side, retailing for about $5.50 for a 52-ounce bottle. Given that we weren't fond of the taste, it was difficult to find, and it came with a higher price tag, it ended up near the bottom of our rankings.

9. Minute Maid lemonade

The Minute Maid lemonade was the best zero-sugar option we sampled, though it still carried a hint of artificial sweetener flavor. Made with aspartame instead of sugar, this altered the taste we experienced, particularly noticeable in the aftertaste. If you're aiming to reduce your sugar consumption, we recommend Minute Maid; however, if you're seeking the best-tasting lemonade, this may not be the one for you.

One aspect that frustrated us about Minute Maid was its availability in stores. Depending on the location, it might be found alongside other lemonades or with the sodas. The zero-sugar version is available in a 52 fluid ounce bottle, while the regular lemonade comes in a 2-liter bottle near the soda section. It leans more towards a juice flavor rather than a classic fresh lemonade. Minute Maid also has some canned options, so you may need to search a bit to find exactly what you're looking for. While this isn't a major issue, it can make locating the right product a bit more difficult.

8. The Fresh Market lemonade

You can locate The Fresh Market lemonade in the produce section, leading us to anticipate a beverage with a robust lemon flavor. It was evidently very fresh, containing small bits of pulp, but the subtle carbonation is what distinguished this drink from others we sampled. Made with just three ingredients—water, freshly squeezed lemons, and cane sugar—the process generates a slight effervescence, adding a delicate fizz to the lemonade.

We tasted this option right after the bright yellow Turkey Hill lemonade, so the lighter hue really caught our attention. It had a slightly cloudy appearance with a bit of pulp, highlighting the fresh-squeezed quality of the lemons. If you enjoy fresh lemons but prefer not to chew your lemonade, this offers a nice compromise.

The Fresh Market is on the pricier side, priced just under $8 for a 64-ounce jug. We were somewhat taken aback by the cost, considering it’s a store brand, but it turned out to be the best-tasting and highest-quality store brand lemonade we tried. If you are particular about the amount of pulp, it may justify the price, but it was ranked lower on our list due to its cost.

7. Florida's Natural lemonade

Florida is more than just oranges, as evident from tasting Florida's Natural lemonade. It presents a pronounced sugary flavor at first, followed by a distinctly lemony aftertaste. We appreciated the balance of sweetness and tartness in this variety. Typically priced around $3 for a 59-ounce bottle, we managed to save a few cents with our store loyalty card.

We sampled the classic lemonade, but Florida's Natural also offers a zero-sugar version, a strawberry lemonade, and a zero-sugar strawberry lemonade. It's one of the few brands that provides flavored lemonade without any sugar. If you're looking to avoid sugar, Florida's Natural has more choices than many other brands.

In our opinion, this lemonade had an average taste, but the great price and slightly larger bottle elevated its ranking for us. Additionally, the company contributes to Alex's Lemonade Stand, an organization that supports children battling cancer. This charitable aspect added a nice touch to our purchase, making us even more satisfied.

6. Tropicana classic lemonade

The Tropicana lemonade leans towards the sweeter side, though it does have a subtle tartness that shines through. Crafted with lemon juice and cane sugar, it shares similarities with many other options on our list. While it’s a solid drink choice, it doesn’t stand out as particularly unique. For this comparison, we opted for the classic lemonade, but we’ve previously tried the strawberry lemonade, which is even sweeter. Tropicana also offers a zero-sugar version and a zero-sugar passion fruit lemonade.

One advantage of Tropicana lemonade is its availability in smaller containers. It comes in both 46-ounce and 11-ounce sizes, making it convenient for those who want a refreshing bottle without committing to a full jug. The 46-ounce bottle is priced around $3, which isn’t particularly remarkable since it’s slightly smaller than many competitors. Nevertheless, it remains a decent option in terms of flavor and pricing.

5. Nature's Promise organic lemonade

As the store brand for Giant, Nature's Promise provides organic lemonade at an excellent price. Priced at just $3.50 for a generous 64-ounce bottle, this brand blends organic ingredients with affordability. With a delightful mix of sweetness and tartness, it tastes comparable to some of our favorite name-brand lemonades, which are similarly priced but come in smaller containers. Additionally, Nature's Promise lemonade is shelf-stable, allowing it to be stored in the pantry until opened, making it a convenient option to have on hand for spontaneous gatherings.

One drawback of Nature's Promise is its limited availability, as it is exclusively sold at Giant. However, if you're already shopping there, it's definitely worth a trip to the natural food section to grab a bottle of this lemonade. For those seeking an organic beverage at a budget-friendly price, Nature's Promise is a worthwhile choice.

4. Simply All Natural lemonade

Simply Lemonade is a delightful beverage that meets our expectations for lemonade, free from artificial colors and flavors. Crafted with real lemon juice, sugar, and water, it strikes a nice balance with a moderate amount of pulp that enhances its freshness without being overwhelming. Among the options we sampled, Simply Lemonade stood out for its tartness, so don’t anticipate a high level of sweetness.

We often use Simply Lemonade as a mixer in punches and cocktails, favoring it over other brands due to its robust lemon flavor. It effectively complements sweeter ingredients in drinks with its zesty lemon notes. On its own, it’s quite tasty, though it may be a bit too tart for the youngest members of our family, who prefer milder flavors. The large 52 fluid ounce container typically retails for between $3 and $3.50 at most grocery stores.

You may also come across flavored versions of Simply Lemonade, such as strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry. For this review, we focused on the classic lemonade, but we have also enjoyed the raspberry flavor, which is sweeter and less tart. Based on our experiences with both varieties, we would gladly keep any of the Simply Lemonades stocked in our fridge.

3. Indian River Select lemonade

Indian River Select lemonade is crafted from just lemons, water, and sugar. If you're looking for a refreshing drink with minimal additives, this is an excellent option. It strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, just the way we enjoy our lemonade. While it contains little pulp, it still delivers that fresh-squeezed flavor. We would use this lemonade as a foundation for delightful mixed beverages, such as a fall-inspired cranberry lemonade or infused with herbs like mint or thyme.

Priced at just over $3 for a 52-ounce bottle, it stands out compared to other brands that often include more additives and lack a well-rounded flavor. This is one of the few lemonades we would actively seek out, which is worth mentioning since we only found it at one store. If it were more readily available, it would likely rank even higher on our list.

2. Newman's Own old fashioned lemonade

Newman's Own offers a classic lemonade that is free from high fructose corn syrup, yet retains its sweetness thanks to cane sugar. It boasts a robust lemon flavor that is well-balanced and not overly tart. Among all the brands we sampled, it contained the highest amount of pulp, so be prepared for that added texture if you choose Newman's Own. The pulp gives the drink a cloudier look compared to others, but a gentle shake of the carton can help mix it before serving.

In addition to its delicious taste, Newman's Own contributes a portion of its profits to various charitable organizations and initiatives. Priced at around $3 for a 59-ounce carton, it is comparable to most other lemonades we tried. Ultimately, it was a close call between Newman's Own and our top pick, as both had a flavor reminiscent of homemade lemonade. Newman's Own secured second place primarily due to its high pulp content. However, if you enjoy lemonade with a pronounced lemon flavor, this could become your new favorite drink.

1. Trader Joe's lemonade

Our top pick in this taste test was the delightfully tart and sweet fresh squeezed lemonade from Trader Joe's. Made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, it has a slightly cloudy look but contains minimal pulp. This beverage is crafted with just water, cane sugar, and those deliciously tart lemons, making it the closest thing to homemade lemonade. In fact, we believe it would be difficult to distinguish between the two. Priced at $4 for a 52-ounce bottle, it is a bit more expensive than some alternatives, but we would gladly pay even more for its excellent flavor balance.

Trader Joe's recommends blending it with other fresh-squeezed juices, like watermelon, or muddling it with herbs to create your own unique mix. It's well-known that lemons and watermelon make a fantastic summer combination, so we were thrilled to see such a fun and tasty serving suggestion. For this test, we opted for the classic drink, and this was the only glass we wanted to finish. Like many fresh options, it is unpasteurized, so be sure to follow the refrigeration guidelines to keep it safe and flavorful.

We should also mention Trader Joe's organic lemonade, which is a bit more affordable at under $3.50 for a 64-ounce jug. However, it uses lemon juice concentrate, resulting in a less tart flavor. If you prefer organic, it's a solid high-quality option at a budget-friendly price. But for the best lemonade experience, we would choose Trader Joe's for its perfect sweet-tart balance and smooth texture.

Methodology

We conducted a side-by-side taste test to identify the subtle distinctions among various lemonades. The overly sweet options quickly caught our attention, while the intensely tart varieties certainly made an impact. Our preferred choices struck a balance between sweetness and tartness, featuring just the right amount of pulp to engage our senses. We generally leaned towards those sweetened with cane sugar for flavor, but we also sampled zero-sugar alternatives to compare their taste. Although they had a different overall flavor profile, we noted which ones we would choose again if we were reducing our sugar intake.

Price was another important factor, as lemonade is typically served in large quantities at gatherings in our home. While some drinks were enjoyable, they weren't exceptional enough to warrant a significant portion of our party budget. Ultimately, our top selections were sweet, tart, and budget-friendly, much like our homemade lemonade.