Ice Cream

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup And Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Flavors (Natural & Artificial Flavors): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.

Within Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, this product is more processed than about 38% of the 14,928 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 Ice Cream'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: Mono & Diglycerides.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Guar Gum, Tetrasodiumpyrophosphate And Carrageenan.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Malic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.