Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Methylcellulose): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Crusts & Dough, this product is more processed than about 41% of the 2,350 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 Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Reduced Fat Mozzarella Cheese With Added Vitamin D (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Nonfat Milk, Cheese Cultures, Modified Corn Starch*, Salt, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3, Enzyme).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: The Following: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.