Beef Sticks with Cheddar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Chemical Preservatives (Natamycin}, Sodium Nitrite, Sprayed With Potassium Sorbate To Improved Quality): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Meats (Stuffed In Collagen Casing): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Other Additives (Sodium Erythorbate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Jerky & Meat Snacks, this product is more processed than about 86% of the 2,448 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 Sticks with 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.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Water Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose.

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.