8" Double Layer Lemon Cake

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, 8" Double Layer Lemon Cake scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch (Corn, Tapioca)): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor, Vanillin): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Emulsifier (Nonfat Dry Milk, Distilled Propylene Glycol Monostearate, Mono- And Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Soy Lecithin), Monoglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

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 8" Double Layer Lemon 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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Soy Lecithin, Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Lemon Puree (Lemon Peel, Sugar, Lemon Oil), White Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Skimmed Milk Powder, Whey Powder, Lactose, Soy Lecithin, Natural And Artificial Flavors (Milk), Carrot Extract [Color]), White Syrup (Corn Syrup, Water, Fructose, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Salt, Potassium Sorbate [Preservative]), and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Acidic Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Emulsifier (Propylene Glycol, Mono- And Diesters Of Fats And Fatty Acids, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Preservatives [Bht, Citric Acid]).

Natural sources but industrial application.