Franks

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

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

• Processed Meats (Mechanically Separated Chicken): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Other Additives (Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Bacon, Sausage & Hot Dogs, this product is more processed than about 45% of the 6,852 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 Franks' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Flavorings.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Lactate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.