Frosted Donuts, Frosted

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening (Palm Kernel And/Or Palm), Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Flavors (Natural & Artificial Flavor): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Within Cakes & Pastries, this product is more processed than about 16% of the 11,919 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 Frosted Donuts, Frosted'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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Mono- And Diglycerides, Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids, and 1 more.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Processed Dairy IngredientsUPF marker

In this product: Milk Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Wheat Protein Isolate.

Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Wheat Flour [Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Maltodextrin, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.