Ham and Cheese on Wheat Bread

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Ham and Cheese on Wheat Bread scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Flavors, Grill Flavor (From Sunflower Oil), Smoke Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Emulsifiers (Polysorbate 80): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Sandwiches & Wraps, this product is more processed than about 15% of the 1,978 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 Ham and Cheese on Wheat Bread'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: Dextrose, Sugar, Fructose.

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: Potassium Lactate, Seasoning 9potassium Chloride, Calcium Lactate, Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sunflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color 32% Of Weight Is Added Ingredients Caramel Color Added "Smoke Flavor Added.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Wheat Bread (Enrinched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)Added As A Dough Conditioner, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Crushed Wheat, Pumpernickel Flour, Rye Flour, Wheat Bran, Brown Sugar, Contains 2% Or Less Of Each Of The Following: Soybean Oil, Yeast, Salt, Calcium Sulfate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Ethoxylated Mono And Diglycerides, Enzymes, Calcium Carbonate, Ammonium Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid Added As A Dough Conditioner, Azodicarbonamide, Monocalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.