Ingredient

Key Lime

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Key lime is primarily used to add a distinct tart and floral flavor to …

What it is

Key lime is a citrus fruit, smaller and more tart than the common Persian lime. It is native to Southeast Asia but widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, especially Florida. The fruit is typically juiced or used for its zest in culinary applications.

Why it's used

Key lime is primarily used to add a distinct tart and floral flavor to foods and beverages. It is a key ingredient in key lime pie and is also found in yogurt, candies, sauces, and alcoholic drinks.

Health notes

Key lime is recognized by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for its intended use as a food ingredient. It is a source of vitamin C, an antioxidant. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various citrus components, but specific evaluations for key lime's health effects at typical consumption levels are not widely published. No major health controversies are associated with its use as a food ingredient.

Allergen info

Key lime is not one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Key Lime

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Hannaford Bros. Co. Greek Yogurt, Key Lime Crunch Yogurt High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 127kcal 8Protein 3.3Fat 12.7Carbs Boylan Bottling Company Inc. Tonic Water 41kcal 0Protein 0Fat 10.1Carbs 7-Eleven, Inc. Moscow Mule Dark Chocolate, Moscow Mule Chocolate High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in added sugars — 50% DV per serving 526kcal 5.3Protein 31.6Fat 50.9Carbs GNS Foods, Inc. Key Lime Almonds Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 562kcal 15.6Protein 43.8Fat 34.4Carbs Byerly Foods International Paleo Chicken Ginger Salad Deli Salads High in sodium — 53% DV per serving 105kcal 6.5Protein 7.3Fat 5.8Carbs Byerly Foods International Shrimp Taco Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 29% DV per serving 95kcal 4.1Protein 6.8Fat 6.5Carbs Zing Zang, LLC Margarita Mix, Margarita Alcohol High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 76kcal 0Protein 0Fat 20.3Carbs The Father's Table LLC Fruit Swirl Variety Cheesecake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 372kcal 4.4Protein 21.2Fat 43.4Carbs Zing Zang, LLC Margarita Mix, Margarita Alcohol High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 76kcal 0Protein 0Fat 20.3Carbs Zing Zang, LLC Margarita Mix, Margarita Alcohol 80kcal 0Protein 0Fat 21.2Carbs Zing Zang, LLC Margarita Mix, Margarita Alcohol 102kcal 0Protein 0Fat 20.3Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Key Lime Pie, Key Lime Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 70% DV per serving High in added sugars — 64% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 442kcal 3.5Protein 23.0Fat 54.9Carbs
Water (14 products) Citric Acid (14 products) Salt (13 products) Natural Flavors (13 products) Sugar (9 products) Xanthan Gum (5 products) Dextrose (5 products) Ascorbic Acid (5 products) Soybean Oil (5 products) Canola Oil (5 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.