Beef Stick, Pasteurized Processed Cheddar Cheese Stick, Beef 'N Cheese, Hot

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Beef Stick, Pasteurized Processed Cheddar Cheese Stick, Beef 'N Cheese, Hot 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.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor, Natural Smoke Flavor, Flavoring): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

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 Beef Stick, Pasteurized Processed Cheddar Cheese Stick, Beef 'N Cheese, Hot'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.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid Starter Culture.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Propionate.

Natural sources but industrial application.