Cookie Decorating Kit, Cookie

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Red 40, Red 3, +2 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Modified Fats (Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.

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 Cookie Decorating Kit, 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.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavor.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Guar Gum. Icings: Sugar, Cellulose Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Acetylated Monoglycerides, Confectioner'S Glaze.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Polysorbate 60.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Red 3. Pastel Quins: Icing Sugar (Sugar, Cornstarch).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Margarine (Soybean Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Whey [Milk], Soybean Lecithin, Monoglycerides, Natural Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3), Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening Blend (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornstarch, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.