Decorated Sugar Cookie

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Chemical Preservatives (Blue 1, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 3, Red 40, Blue 2 Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerine): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Other Additives (Propylene Glycol): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Cookies & Crackers, this product is more processed than about 51% of the 18,630 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 Decorated Sugar Cookie'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Cane Molasses.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Titanium Dioxide.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Ammonium Aluminum Sulfate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.