Is lemonade OK for kids?
Written from AAP, federal and National Academies guidance and checked against each source. Medical review by a pediatric registered dietitian is in progress. Updated November 2026.
Skip overall
Quick answer
Not as an everyday drink. An 8 oz glass of regular lemonade has about 7 teaspoons of sugar.
Pick your child's age for a personal answer
By age
| Age | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Skip | No. |
| 1 to 4 years | Skip | No.1 |
| 5 to 10 years | Skip | Skip. No amount of added sugar is recommended through age 10.2 |
| 11 to 18 years | Occasionally | Occasionally. A glass is more than a quarter of the day's sugar limit.4 |
How much sugar?
Dashed line: the American Heart Association limit of 25 g of added sugar for the whole day, ages 2 to 18. Typical amounts, rounded. Brands vary.
Good to know
- Bottled lemonades run about 30 to 42 g per 12 oz.11
- The lemonade stand is a summer tradition. Make it a once-in-a-while treat.
Try instead
Water with lemon slices and a few berries, or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
Have the bottle in your hand? Check it with the label checker.
Common questions
Is homemade lemonade healthier?
Only if you cut the sugar way down. A typical recipe uses about a cup of sugar for a pitcher, so a glass still has several teaspoons.