Butter & Herb Instant Mashed Potatoes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Butter & Herb Instant Mashed Potatoes 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.
• Chemical Preservatives (Bht): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Within Prepared Entrees, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 6,999 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 Butter & Herb Instant Mashed Potatoes' 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 PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Potato Flakes (Dehydrated Potato, Mono- And Diglycerides, Preservatives [Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bisulfite, Citric Acid]).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.