Chicken with Broccoli & Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch, Modified Food 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 Poultry, this product is more processed than about 80% of the 2,120 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 with Broccoli & Cheese'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.

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, Calcium Caseinate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose, Cheese Flavor ( Maltodextrin, Whey Solids, Cheese Flavor, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Salt, Natural Flavors), Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

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.