Cake

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids, Corn Syrup, 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 (Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate Preservative, Sodium Benzoate Preservative, Tbhq Preservative): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Processed With Alkali, High Fat Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Low Fat Cocoa Processed With Alkali, +1 more): 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 Cake'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: Sorbitan Monostearate, Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin, and 2 more.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Propylene Glycol Mono- And Diesters Of Fats And Fatty Acids, Propylene Glycol.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Gum Arabic.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Processed Dairy IngredientsUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Caseinate, Soy Protein Concentrate.

Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose, Semisweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor), Invert Syrup.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60), Soybean Oil, Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil, Propylene Glycol Mono- And Diesters Of Fats And Fatty Acids, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin), Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Canola Oil), and 2 more.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.