Cake Mix

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Cake Mix 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.
• Other Additives (Emulsifier (Propylene Glycol Mono- And Diesters, Mono And Diglycerides)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Emulsifiers (Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Baking Mixes, this product is more processed than about 55% of the 5,176 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 Cake Mix'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: Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Contains One Or More Of The Following: [Palm Oil, And/Or Soybean Oil]With Emulsifier [Propylene Glycol Monoesters, Mono And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin]).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Preservative (Bht, Citric Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.