Chimichangas

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Flavorings): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Guar Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Frozen Dinners, this product is more processed than about 37% of the 5,358 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 Chimichangas' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Flavor Enhancer (Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein), Flavor Enhancer (Dextrose, Salt, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Food Starch).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate, Corn Starch, Sodium Aluminum Sulfate, Calcium Sulfate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.