Brownie Bites

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Brownie Bites 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.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate [Preservative]): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate 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 Brownie 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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Sprinkles (Powdered Sugar [Sugar, Corn Starch], Palm Kernel Oil, Modified Corn Starch, Corn Starch, Shellac, Sunflower Lecithin, Fd&C Blue 1, Fd&C Red 40, Polysorbate 60), Molasses.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil, Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.