Applegate, Half-Time Uncured Bologna & American Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Applegate, Half-Time Uncured Bologna & American Cheese scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Stabilizers & Gums (Organic Carob Bean Gum, Pectin, Carrageenan): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor, Organic Natural Vanilla Flavor, Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Processed Fruit Products (Organic Beet Juice Concentrate): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Industrial Enzymes (Lactic Acid. Made With Vegetable Rennet. Annie'S Homegrown Organic Summer Strawberry Bunny Fruit Snacks Ingredients: Organic Tapioca Syrup): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Within Other Snacks, this product is more processed than about 65% of the 7,439 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 Applegate, Half-Time Uncured Bologna & American Cheese'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Organic Sugar, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Tapioca Syrup Solids, Cane Sugar, and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin D3. Live Active Cultures: S. Thermophilus.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Water. Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Salt, Sea Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Citrate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Color Added (Organic Black Carrot Juice Concentrate), Annatto Extract.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Organic Sunflower Oil, Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.