Corn Chips

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 6 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Within Chips & Crisps, this product is more processed than about 85% of the 10,682 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 Corn Chips' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Sunflower, Corn, And/Or Canola Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Brown Sugar, Maltodextrin (Made From Corn), Molasses Solids.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.