Is Sugar Ultra Processed?

Not Typically Ultra-Processed

Based on our analysis of 860 Sugar products, most fall into processing Level 4 (Ultra-Processed).

Level:
Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed
Level 4
Ultra-Processed
Avg Score: 9.0860 products analyzed

We analyzed 860 products to answer this question

Sugar Processing Level Distribution

How 860 sugar products break down by processing level:

29%
Level 1
Minimally Processed
253 products
10%
Level 2
Processed
90 products
13%
Level 3
Highly Processed
116 products
47%
Level 4
Ultra-Processed
401 products

Average ingredient count: 14.9 · Average nutrition score: 3.2/10

Sugar Brand Comparison

Comparing the least to most processed sugar products in our database:

ProductBrandLevelScoreIngredientsShop
Cinnamon & SugarStrack & Van Til Food Market
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
2.03
Sanding Sugar, Pink PastelIndia Tree
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
2.03
Purple Decorating Sugar365 Whole Foods Market
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
2.03
Cinnamon & Sugar PecanYe Olde Bavarian Nut Shoppe
Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
3.05
Kettle Corn, Cinnamon & Brown SugarKing of Pop.com
Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
3.05
Oats & Quinoa Crumble with Granola & Brown SugarKathleen's
Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
4.07
Cinnamon N' Sugar Pita Chips, CinnamonSnackios
Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed
5.813
Pistachio Sugar Free Biscotti, PistachioDijas Natural Foods
Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed
6.513Amazon
Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch CerealToast Crunch
Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed
8.121
Soft Baked Granola, Cinnamon Brown SugarPepperidge Farm
Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed
8.125

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sugar ultra processed?

Based on our analysis of 860 products, Sugar is not typically ultra-processed. The average processing score is 9.0 with products ranging from Level 1 to Level 4.

What is the processing level of Sugar?

Sugar products average Level 4 (Ultra-Processed). Of 860 products analyzed, 253 are Level 1, 90 are Level 2, 116 are Level 3, and 401 are Level 4.

How can I find less processed sugar?

Look for sugar with shorter ingredient lists (5 or fewer items). Avoid products with artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and ingredients you wouldn't find in a home kitchen. Check our brand comparison table above for specific recommendations.

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