Bacon Cheddar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Sodium Alginate, Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 4,145 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 Bacon Cheddar'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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Bacon (Cured With Water, Salt, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrate, May Also Contain Smoke Flavoring, Sugar, Dextrose, Brown Sugar, Sodium Phosphates, Potassium Chloride, Flavoring), Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Color Added (Beta-Carotene, Paprika Extract).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid To Preserve Freshness.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.