Ice Cream

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Ice Cream 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.
• Emulsifiers (Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 80, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Pectin, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, +1 more): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Processed Fruit Products (Alkalized Cocoa): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Within Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, this product is more processed than about 38% of the 14,928 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 Ice Cream'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: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Coconut Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt, Sea Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Bicarbonate.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color, Annatto.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.