Hot Cross Buns

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Hot Cross Buns 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.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Glaze (Corn Syrup, Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Honey, Pectin, Agar Agar, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, Sodium Benzoate, Caramel Color (Contains Sulfites)), Gum Arabic): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Bread, this product is more processed than about 48% of the 11,494 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 Hot Cross Buns' 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: Candied Pineapple (Pineapple, Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Sulfur Dioxide), Sugar, Sugar Syrup.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Soybean Oil, Salt, Whey, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Natural Butter Flavor, Beta Carotene For Color, Vitamin A Palmitate).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast, Red Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Crumb Softener (Water, Monoglycerides (With Propionic Acid And Phosphoric Acid))Nutmeg.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.