Cheddar & Bacon Potatoes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Cheddar & Bacon 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.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Bha): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 4,145 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 Cheddar & Bacon 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.

Flavor EnhancersUPF marker

In this product: Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate.

Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Monoglycerides.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Imitation Bacon Crumbles {Textured Vegetable Protein [ (Soy Flour, Caramel Color, Yellow 6, Red 3), Soybean Oil, Water, Salt, Natural Flavorings, Autolyzed Yeast, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Dextrose}].

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

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.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Disodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Freshness Preserved With: Sodium Bisulfite.

Natural sources but industrial application.