Cookie Dough Instant Pudding with Chocolate Chip Packet

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Cookie Dough Instant Pudding with Chocolate Chip Packet scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch, Modified Tapioca Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Glucose, Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Other Additives (Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Gum Arabic): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Puddings & Gelatin, this product is more processed than about 36% of the 1,991 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 Cookie Dough Instant Pudding with Chocolate Chip Packet'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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono- And Diglycerides.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, And Vanillin), Dextrose, Maltodextrin, and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Disodium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate.

Added minerals often compensate for 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.