Plain Donuts

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids, Dextrin): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, +1 more): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Enzymes): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant 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 Plain Donuts' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil And Fractionated Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Tbhq [Preservative], Dimethylpolysiloxane), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.