Ham & Cheese Loaf

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Pasteurized Process American Cheese [American Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Water, Cream, Sodium Phosphates, Salt, Beta Carotene, Powdered Cellulose (To Prevent Caking), Potassium Sorbate And Natamycin (Preservatives)]): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Flavorings, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavoring): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Deli Meats, this product is more processed than about 93% of the 4,591 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 & Cheese Loaf'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.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Plant ProteinsUPF marker

In this product: Hydrolyzed Soy Protein.

Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Lactate, Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.