Snack Stick

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Snack Stick scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Processed Meats (Mechanically Separated Chicken): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Flavors (Natural And Artificial Flavorings): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite, Bht, Tbhq): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.

Within Jerky & Meat Snacks, this product is more processed than about 86% of the 2,448 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 Snack Stick'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: Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Smoke Flavoring.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid Starter Culture, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.