Cupkakes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Natural And Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin, +1 more): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Wheat Protein Isolate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate 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 Cupkakes' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Propylene Glycol Monostearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Monoglycerides, Sodium Hexametaphosphate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum, Agar, Guar Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Confectionery Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel And Palm Oils, Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Vanillin, Whey [Milk]), Peanut Butter (Roasted Peanuts, Corn Syrup Solids, Sugar, Palm Oil, Salt), Agave Syrup, and 2 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil And Soybean Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Sulfate, Tricalcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color, Beta Carotene.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.