1/2 Sheet Party Cake

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, 1/2 Sheet Party Cake scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Soybean And Cottonseed Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, Dextrin): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Tapioca Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Red 3, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2, +8 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.

Within Cakes & Pastries, this product is more processed than about 16% of the 11,919 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group 1/2 Sheet Party Cake's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Emulsifiers (Propylene Glycol Mono And Diesters Of Fatty Acids, Mono And Diglycerides, Sorbitan Monostearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Polysorbate 60), Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Confectioners Glaze, Carnauba Wax.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum, Gum Arabic.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Processed Fruit ProductsUPF marker

In this product: Cocoa (Processed With Alkali).

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: High Oleic Soybean Oil, Soybean Oil, Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.