Key findings
- 1A single frosted Pop-Tart contains 16g of sugar; more than a Krispy Kreme glazed donut (10g)
- 2TBHQ, used to preserve the oils in Pop-Tarts, is the same compound used in varnish, lacquer, and biodiesel stabilization at higher concentrations
- 3The "strawberry" filling contains dried strawberries after sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, modified food starch, and artificial colors in the ingredient list
What goes into Pop-Tarts products?
Pop-Tarts are a case study in industrial food processing. The pastry shell is made from enriched flour, soybean and palm oil, sugar, and dough conditioners. The filling, which appears fruit-flavored, is predominantly sugar, corn syrup, and dextrose with small amounts of fruit puree concentrate and artificial colors to simulate fruit appearance. TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), a synthetic antioxidant, is added to preserve the oils from rancidity; it is the same compound used in varnish, lacquer, and resin formulations, though at higher concentrations. Artificial colors (Red 40 from petroleum, Blue 1, Yellow 6) create the vibrant filling colors. The frosted varieties add another layer of sugar, corn starch, and additional colorings. A single frosted strawberry Pop-Tart contains more sugar (16g) than a glazed Krispy Kreme donut (10g).
How 254 pop-tarts products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Pop-Tarts brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a Pop-Tarts label
- 1
TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant preservative, one of the more controversial additives in the food supply
- 2
Artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6) are petroleum-derived and banned or restricted in several countries
- 3
"Frosted Strawberry" contains very little actual strawberry; the filling is mostly sugar, corn syrup, and dextrose
- 4
The frosted coating adds another layer of sugar and artificial colors on top of the already sweetened pastry
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Frequently asked questions
What is TBHQ in Pop-Tarts?
TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic antioxidant that prevents oils from going rancid. It is derived from petroleum and is also used in varnish, lacquer, and resin formulations. In food, it is limited to 0.02% of fat content by the FDA. Its presence is a clear marker of industrial ultra-processing.
Are unfrosted Pop-Tarts healthier than frosted?
Unfrosted Pop-Tarts have slightly less sugar and fewer artificial colors (no frosting layer), but they share the same long list of industrial ingredients. Of the 254 Pop-Tarts products we score, 252 are Level 4 (ultra-processed) and 2 are Level 2, and the difference between the two is marginal.
Is there a less processed alternative to Pop-Tarts?
Homemade pastry pockets with real pie crust, fresh fruit or jam, and a simple glaze are far less processed. Some store-bought toaster pastries use fewer and more recognizable ingredients; compare the labels.