Gingerbread Ornament Cookies

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup And High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Glucose): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Preservative - Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake): 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 Gingerbread Ornament Cookies' 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: Soy Mono-And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Confectioner'S Glaze, Carnauba Wax.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Gum Arabic.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Molasses, Caramel Color. Pre-Made Icings: Powdered Sugar, Titanium Dioxide Color. Mini Beads: Dextrose, and 3 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Palm), Vegetable Oils (Palm, Canola), Palm Kernel Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Malic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.