Nacho Cheese Sauce

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Datem, Mono- And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Ketchup & Mustard, this product is more processed than about 77% of the 6,563 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 Nacho Cheese Sauce'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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Contains One Or More Of The Following: Canola Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Extract.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.