Assorted Cupcakes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Fd&C Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids, Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

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 Assorted 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.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Icing Sugar (Sugar, Corn Starch), Sugar, Sprinkles (Sugar, Icing Sugar [Sugar, Corn Starch], Modified Corn Starch, Palm Kernel Oil, Corn Starch, Sunflower Lecithin, Artificial Flavor, Shellac, Fd&C Blue 1, Fd&C Yellow 5, Polysorbate 60).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Canola Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Palm Oil, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Monoglycerides, Polysorbate 60), Margarine (Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Whey [Milk], Soy Lecithin, Monoglycerides, Natural Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening Blend (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Corn Starch, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Tetrasodium Diphosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.