Cucina, Peppercorn Ranch Dressing

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Cucina, Peppercorn Ranch Dressing 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.
• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Modified Fats (Non-Hydrogenated Soybean Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Artificial Colors (Artificial Color (Titanium Dioxide)): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate & Sodium Benzoate (As Preservatives)): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.

Within Dressings & Mayo, this product is more processed than about 71% of the 5,534 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 Cucina, Peppercorn Ranch Dressing'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.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum (A Natural Food Fiber).

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Monosodium Glutamate.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Disodium Edta.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.