Coconut Meringue Pie

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate And Calcium Propionate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Carob Bean Gum, Agar): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Cakes & Pastries, this product is more processed than about 16% of the 11,919 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 Coconut Meringue Pie'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Sweetened Coconut (Coconut, Sugar, Water, Propylene Glycol, Salt, Sodium Metabisulfite To Preserve Whiteness), Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate To [Preserve Freshness], Artificial Flavors, Colored With Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Palmitate).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Titanium Dioxide.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Bitartarate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Preserved With Sorbic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.