Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Gum Arabic): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Other Additives (Monoglycerides): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Within Crusts & Dough, this product is more processed than about 41% of the 2,350 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 Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper'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.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese* (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes).

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Macaroni (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin, Bacon Bits ( [Cured With Water, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Nitrate], Smoke Flavoring), Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Canola, Soybean And/Or Sunflower Oil), Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Lactate, Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Extract.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.