Salad Meal

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors, Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Lecithin (Soy)): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Salsa (Tomatoes, Onions, Chilies, Garlic, Salt, Cilantro, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Pickles & Relishes, this product is more processed than about 84% of the 10,255 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 Salad Meal'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.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Orzo (Water, Durum Wheat Semolina, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Soybean And/Or Canola Oil), Dressing: Vegetable Oil (Soybean And/Or Canola Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin, Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid. Topper Drizzle: Tomatoes.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.