Cupcakes, Dark Chocolate Raspberry

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Red 40 Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, +1 more): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Processed Fruit Products (Chocolate Liquor): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

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 Cupcakes, Dark Chocolate Raspberry'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: Agar, Locust Bean Gum, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Monoglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Sodium Stearate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Bleached Enriched Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate (Iron), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Animal And Vegetable Shortening (Tallow, Hydrogenated Tallow, Cottonseed Oil, Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin), Palm Oil, Cocoa Processed With Alkali. Contains 2% Or Less: Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil, and 2 more.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Sulfate, Disodium Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.