Cup Cakes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Other Additives (Stabilizer Blend (Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum), Sodium Stearyol Lactylate, Sodium Stearate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Agar, Locust Bean Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Cakes & Pastries, this product is more processed than about 16% of the 11,919 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 Cup Cakes' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Glycerin, Mono- And Diglycerides.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Processed Fruit ProductsUPF marker

In this product: Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Chocolate Liquor.

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Bleached Enriched Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate (Iron), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Animal And Vegetable Shortening (Beef Tallow, Hydrogenated Beef Tallow, Cottonseed Oil, Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin), 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.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.