Country Time is a popular brand of powdered lemonade mix produced by Kraft Foods. With its bright yellow packaging and tangy lemon flavor, Country Time has been a staple of American pantries for decades. But in today’s health-conscious world, more and more consumers are looking to cut down on sugar in their diets. This raises the question – does Country Time offer a sugar free version of their classic lemonade mix?
The History of Country Time Lemonade
Country Time lemonade mix first appeared on grocery store shelves in 1975. The powdered mix was developed as an easy way for consumers to make fresh-tasting lemonade at home by simply adding water and sugar. The Country Time brand was launched by General Foods Corporation, which was acquired by Kraft Foods in 1990.
Over the years, Country Time has expanded its product line to include a variety of fruit-flavored powdered drink mixes beyond just lemonade. Popular flavors include pink lemonade, strawberry lemonade, and fruit punch. However, classic lemonade remains the brand’s signature product. Those bright yellow tins of Country Time are familiar to generations of families who have used the mix for everything from kids’ backyard lemonade stands to family picnics and barbecues.
The Rise of Sugar-Conscious Consumers
In recent years, health organizations and medical experts have been raising awareness around the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption. Issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease have been linked to high-sugar diets. In response, many consumers have become more sugar-conscious and are looking to avoid or moderate their sugar intake.
This poses a challenge for brands like Country Time whose products are known for containing high amounts of added sugar. According to the nutrition label, a serving of Country Time lemonade made with water contains 140 calories and 33g of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25g of added sugar per day for women and 36g for men. Just one 8 oz serving of Country Time lemonade contains well over that limit.
Introducing Sugar Free Country Time
In order to appeal to the growing market of health-conscious consumers looking to reduce their sugar intake, Kraft Foods has responded by developing and marketing sugar free versions of some of its popular brands, including Country Time.
Country Time Diet Lemonade Mix is a newer product that contains zero calories, zero sugar, and uses sucralose and stevia leaf extract as sweeteners instead of sugar. This allows consumers to enjoy the tasty lemonade flavor they expect from Country Time without all the added sugar.
Nutrition Facts for Sugar Free Country Time
Here is a nutritional comparison of regular Country Time lemonade mix vs. the sugar free version:
| Nutrition Facts | Country Time Regular Lemonade (1 serving prepared with water) | Country Time Diet Sugar Free Lemonade (1 serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 0 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 75mg | 90mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33g | 0g |
| Sugars | 33g | 0g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
As you can see, the sugar free version contains no sugar or calories, allowing dieters and diabetics to enjoy a tall glass of lemonade without worrying about effects on blood sugar or weight gain.
Taste and Texture of Sugar Free Country Time
Of course, an important question is – how does Sugar Free Country Time actually taste? Is it comparable to the sweetness and flavor of original Country Time?
Most reviewers agree that the sugar free version tastes quite good and delivers the tart, slightly sweet flavor that makes Country Time lemonade so refreshing. However, there are some slight differences in texture and aftertaste.
The sugar free mix tends to produce a lemonade that is a bit thinner in consistency rather than thick and syrupy like traditional Country Time. There is also a very slight aftertaste from the artificial sweeteners that some people notice. Overall though, most find the taste very satisfying for a diet/sugar free beverage.
Here are some reviews from bloggers and consumers who have tried Sugar Free Country Time:
“I was impressed with how delicious this was! You can definitely tell it’s diet but not in a bad, chemical-y kind of way. It’s tasty and refreshing.”
“I like that you can get the Country Time flavor without all the sugar. My kid didn’t notice much difference compared to the regular.”
“There’s just a tiny hint of an odd aftertaste but way better than any other sugar free mix I’ve tried. I add a bit of real lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.”
While not exactly identical to the original, Sugar Free Country Time provides a very close match while eliminating calories and sugar. Fans of the brand who are trying to watch their sugar intake are pleased to have a diet-friendly option.
Where to Buy Sugar Free Country Time
Sugar Free Country Time drink mix can be found at most major grocery stores and mass retailers that carry the Country Time brand. Some locations that sell Sugar Free Country Time include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- Giant
- Wegmans
- ShopRite
- HEB
- Amazon
The sugar free lemonade mix is typically stocked on shelves alongside the regular Country Time. Keep an eye out for the distinctive yellow packaging and “sugar free” label. Online stores like Amazon also carry the product.
A 2.2 lb tub of Sugar Free Country Time usually retails around $3 to $5. There are on average about 85 servings per tub. Making your own sugar free lemonade at home with Country Time is an affordable way to enjoy a refreshing drink without the added sugars.
How to Make Sugar Free Country Time Lemonade
Brewing up a pitcher of Sugar Free Country Time lemonade is quick and easy:
- Fill a large pitcher halfway with cold water.
- Add 1⁄4 cup of the sugar free lemonade mix and stir until fully dissolved.
- Top off pitcher with water and stir again.
- Add ice cubes.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
Tips for Making Sugar Free Country Time:
- For the best flavor, use cold water and serve over ice.
- Add sliced lemons or fresh mint for extra flavor.
- Mix it up by adding frozen fruit like raspberries or peaches.
- For richer lemonade, replace half the water with club soda or seltzer.
- Sweeten to taste with a sugar substitute if desired.
The sugar free mix dissolves easily in cold water. Many people enjoy the lighter, less syrupy consistency compared to regular powdered mixes. Kids and adults alike will love the sweet lemon burst of flavor.
Benefits of Sugar Free Country Time
Here are some of the biggest benefits that Sugar Free Country Time provides over regular powdered lemonade mix:
- No sugar: The biggest advantage is 0 grams of sugar per serving. This makes it safe for low sugar diets.
- Low calorie: At just 5-10 calories per serving, it’s perfect if you are watching your calorie intake.
- Doesn’t spike blood sugar: The absence of sugar means it won’t cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels.
- Kid-friendly: Your kids can enjoy a refreshing treat they recognize without you having to worry about sugar overload.
- Convenient: Just mix with water – no lemon juicing required. It dissolves quickly.
- Adds flavor: It makes plain water much more tasty and enjoyable to drink.
Sugar Free Country Time allows people with dietary restrictions, like those living with diabetes, to partake in a delicious American classic. Kids need the occasional sweet treat too, and this gives parents a healthier option.
Potential Downsides of Sugar Free Country Time
While Sugar Free Country Time has many benefits, there are a couple potential downsides to consider as well:
- Aftertaste: Some people notice a slight chemical or saccharine-like aftertaste from the artificial sweeteners used.
- GI issues: Sugar alcohols like sorbitol in sugar free drinks may cause bloating or diarrhea when consumed in excess.
- Not calorie-free: While lower calorie than regular powder, it still contains about 5-10 calories per serving.
- Less thick: The texture is a bit thinner than traditional Country Time lemonade made with sugar.
These effects vary person to person. Start with about half a serving to see how your body responds before drinking larger amounts. And be sure to stay hydrated when enjoying any sugar free beverages.
The Bottom Line
For those looking to cut back on sugar without sacrificing the delicious nostalgic flavor of Country Time lemonade, the sugar free version is a great option. While not identical, it provides a very close overall taste and drinking experience. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the refreshing sweetness.
Sugar Free Country Time allows people with dietary limitations, like diabetes or weight loss goals, to partake alongside everyone else. Avoiding sugary crashes but still satisfying your sweet tooth makes this a go-to summertime drink.
So next time you pick up a tub of powdered lemonade mix in the grocery aisle, consider going for the Sugar Free Country Time to enjoy your favorite childhood drink a bit more healthfully. Just mix with water and pour a glass – let the sugar free sipping begin!
