Cheese Sticks Mozzarella & Asiago

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Cheese Sticks Mozzarella & Asiago scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Modified Cellulose, Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Frozen Appetizers, this product is more processed than about 39% of the 4,714 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 Cheese Sticks Mozzarella & Asiago'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.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Parmesan (Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Cheese Cultures, Powdered Cellulose Added To Prevent Caking, Natamycin Added To Protect Color).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Soybean And/Or Canola), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt, Sea Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose, Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.