Blueberry Muffin and Sausage Bites

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Blueberry Muffin and Sausage Bites scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Diacetate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Breakfast Foods, this product is more processed than about 55% of the 422 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 Blueberry Muffin and Sausage Bites' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Monosodium Glutamate.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Blueberry Muffin: Sugar, Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Margarine [Vegetable Oil (Palm, Soybean), Water, Salt, Mono- And Diglycerides, Annatto (Color), Calcium Disodium Edta (Preservative), Artificial Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate], Ascorbic Acid, Mixed Tocopherols.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lemon Oil. Fully Cooked Pork Sausage Bites.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Lactate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.