Iced Lemon Cake

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate [To Retain Freshness], Sodium Benzoate [To Retain Freshness]): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Mono And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, +1 more): Industrial emulsifiers indicate 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 Iced Lemon Cake'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.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Propylene Glycol [To Retain Freshness].

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavors.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Guar Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Powdered Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Bleached Enriched Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil, Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Aluminum Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.