Idahoan, Mashed Potatoes, Bacon & Cheddar Chipotle

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Idahoan, Mashed Potatoes, Bacon & Cheddar Chipotle scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Artificial Color (Including Yellow 5 And Yellow 6)): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Emulsifiers (Mono And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Smoke And Grill Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Plant Proteins (Hydrolyzed Soy Protein): Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.

Within Prepared Entrees, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 6,999 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 Idahoan, Mashed Potatoes, Bacon & Cheddar Chipotle'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.

Processed Dairy IngredientsUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Caseinate.

Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Flavor EnhancersUPF marker

In this product: Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate.

Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Contains One Or More Of The Following: Coconut, Palm, Soybean, Cottonseed, Sunflower, Canola).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Cheese Blend (Whey, Maltodextrin, Reduced Lactose Whey, Canola Oil, Cheese [Cheddar, Blue, Parmesan, Romano (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes)], Salt, Disodium Phosphate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Artificial Color [Yellow 6 And Yellow 5]), Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Imitation Bacon Flavored Crumbles (Textured Vegetable Protein [Soy Flour, Caramel Color, Red 3], Soybean Oil, Water, Salt, Natural Flavorings, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Dextrose), Sugar, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid (Preserve Freshness).

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.