Caramel Custard Filled Donuts

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Caramel Custard Filled Donuts 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 Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Other Additives (Emulsifier (Monoglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Propylene Glycol Monoesters Of Fats And Fatty Acids, Datem, Methyl Cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 60)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin, Glycerin): 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 Caramel Custard Filled Donuts' 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 (Sugar, Icing Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Glucose, Invert Sugar), Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Tbhq [Preservative], Dimethyl Silicone), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Yeast, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Lactate).

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 (Calcium Propionate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Propionate).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Beta-Carotene, Caramel Color, Titanium Dioxide, Annatto.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Acid Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.