Oatmeal

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Mono & Diglycerides, Polysorbate 80, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Breakfast Cereal, this product is more processed than about 77% of the 9,419 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 Oatmeal'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: Brown Sugar, Sugar, Natural And Artificial Maple Flavor (Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Less Than 2.0% Silicon Dioxide Added To Prevent Caking).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Coconut Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Silicon Dioxide.

Common in powdered processed foods.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Non-Iodized Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.