Apple Caramel Cupcakes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Emulsifier Blend (Propylene Glycol Mono- And Diesters Of Fats And Fatty Acids, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soybean Lecithin, Citric Acid [Preservative])): 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 Apple Caramel Cupcakes' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Icing Sugar (Sugar, Cornstarch), Apple Ribbon Filling (Water, Sugar, Apples, Corn Syrup, Modified Cornstarch, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Citric Acid, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate [Preservative], Sodium Benzoate [Preservative], Sodium Citrate, Locust Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Color [Caramel, Fd&C Yellow 6]), Sugar, Caramel Filling (Corn Syrup, Sugar/High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Sweetened Condensed Milk [Nonfat Dry Milk, Sugar, Lactose], Canola Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Whey [Milk], Modified Tapioca Starch, Salt, Pectin, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate [Preservative], Natural And Artificial Flavor, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Citric Acid), and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil Shortening (Canola Oil, Palm Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Monoglycerides, Polysorbate 60), Soybean And/Or Canola Oil, Margarine (Soybean Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Whey [Milk], Soybean Lecithin, Monoglycerides, Natural Flavor, Annatto Extract [Color], Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening Blend (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornstarch, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Color (Caramel).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.