Great Value, Au Gratin Potatoes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Great Value, Au Gratin Potatoes scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5 Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate And Disodium Guanylate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in 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 Great Value, Au Gratin Potatoes' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin (From Corn).

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: Disodium Phosphate, Calcium Lactate, Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Yellow 6 Lake. (Freshness Protected By Sodium Bisulfite).

Natural sources but industrial application.