Hickory & Brown Sugar Beef Jerky

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Hickory & Brown Sugar Beef Jerky scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Hickory Smoke Flavoring): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Jerky & Meat Snacks, this product is more processed than about 86% of the 2,448 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 Hickory & Brown Sugar Beef Jerky'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: Brown Sugar, Sugarcane Molasses, Tamarind Juice (Sugar, Water, Tamarind Pulp, And Potassium Sorbate As A Preservative).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sweet Baby Ray'S Jerky Base Vinegar Powder [Dextrin, Modified Food Starch, Vinegar Solids], Tomato Powder, Pineapple Juice Powder [Maltodextrin, Pineapple Juice], Worcestershire Sauce Powder [Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor And Sulfating Agents , Natural Smoke Flavor, Spices And Not More Than 2% Silicon Dioxide Added To Prevent Caking.

Common in powdered processed foods.