Ben & Jerry's, Salted Caramel Core

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Ben & Jerry's, Salted Caramel Core scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Pectin, Guar Gum, Carrageenan): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Vanilla Extract): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Lactase): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Within Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, this product is more processed than about 38% of the 14,928 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 Ben & Jerry's, Salted Caramel Core'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: Liquid Sugar (Sugar, Water), Brown Sugar, Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Sea Salt, Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Corn Starch, Monocalcium Phosphate), Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.