Fiesta Sides Mexican Rice

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Fiesta Sides Mexican Rice scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Plant Proteins (Hydrolyzed Soy Protein): Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor (Milk)): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 4,145 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 Sides Mexican Rice'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.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Parboiled Long Grain Rice [Rice, Niacin, Ferric Orthophosphate (Iron), Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid], Enriched Vermicelli [Wheat And Durum Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate (Iron), Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin, Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.