Ice Cream Cupcakes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Alkali Processed): 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 Cupcakes' 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: Propylene Glycol Monoesters, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin, Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids, and 1 more.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Processed Dairy IngredientsUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Caseinate, Soy Protein Isolate.

Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavor.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, and 1 more.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Chocolate Curls (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Butter Oil, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor), Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Aluminum Sulfate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.