Chicken Cordon Bleu

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Chicken Cordon Bleu 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. Pre-Browned In Soybean Oil): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Methylcellulose): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

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 Chicken Cordon Bleu'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.

Flavor EnhancersUPF marker

In this product: Disodium Inosinate And Disodium Guanylate.

Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Smoked Chopped Ham-Water Added (Ham, Water, Salt, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Erythorbate, Natural Flavoring, Sodium Nitrite), Dextrose, Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Pasteurized Process Swiss And American Cheese (Swiss And American Cheeses (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Water, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, May Contain: Cream, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sorbic Acid (Preservative)), Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Thiamine Hydrochloride.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.