Great Value, Drink Mix, Apple

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame**): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Drink Mixes, this product is more processed than about 51% of the 4,985 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, Drink Mix, Apple'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Malic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Ascorbic Acid.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Acesulfame Potassium, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, and 1 more.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Silicate.

Common in powdered processed foods.