Fiesta Flavored Snack Mix, Fiesta

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Fiesta Flavored Snack Mix, Fiesta scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Artificial Colors (Yellow 6 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Red 40 Lake And Natural Flavors): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Plant Proteins (Hydrolyzed Soy Protein): Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
• Industrial Enzymes (Turbos Flamas Seasoning (Maltodextrin [Made From Corn], Salt, Citric Acid, Sugar, Monosodium Glutamate, Artificial Color [Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake], Sunflower Oil, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Yeast Extract, Sodium Diacetate, Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Natural Flavors, Modified Corn Starch, Onion Powder, Whey, Corn Syrup Solids, Garlic Powder, Romano Cheese [Part-Skim Cow'S Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Buttermilk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Disodium Inosinate, And Disodium Guanylate). Sabritones Lime & Chili Flavored Wheat Snacks: Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Within Other Snacks, this product is more processed than about 65% of the 7,439 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 Fiesta Flavored Snack Mix, Fiesta'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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

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

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin (Made From Corn), Maltodextrin (Made From Tapioca).

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.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.