Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Fats (Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Tbhq (Preservative), Dimethylpolysiloxane)): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Dextrin): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Milk Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Guar Gum, Modified Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Cakes & Pastries, this product is more processed than about 16% of the 11,919 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 Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider'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: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Soybean Oil, Glyceryl-Lacto Esters Of Fatty Acids, Mono- And Diglycerides, Tbhq (Preservative)), Soybean Oil, Corn Oil And/Or Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening Blend (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Baking Powder [Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate]).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Mono- And Diglycerides With Bht (Preservative)And Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Beta-Carotene Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Propionate.

Natural sources but industrial application.