Instant Mashed Potatoes
Processing Score
7.8Highly Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
4.5/10Fair
The processing score reflects 18 ingredients, including preservatives, modified ingredients, emulsifiers or gums, plus 1 more we flag. The nutrition score reflects high sodium and saturated fat.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein SourceGood Fiber Source
Nutrient Alerts
High SodiumHigh Saturated Fat
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
041270946261
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size28 g
Amount per serving
Calories
110
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g
3%
Saturated Fat 1.5g
8%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5mg
2%
Sodium 530mg
23%
Total Carbohydrate 20g
7%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 2g
Calcium 40mg
3%
Iron 0mg
0%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
16 listed · 6 flagged for reviewDEHYDRATED POTATO WITH EMULSIFIER (MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES)AND PRESERVATIVE (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, SODIUM BISULFITE, CITRIC ACID), BUTTER (CREAM, SALT), NONFAT MILK, SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, WHEY, OF: NATURAL FLAVOR, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, DEHYDRATED ONION, LACTIC ACID, CALCIUM SILICATE, SPICE, DISODIUM INOSINATE, DISODIUM GUANYLATE, COLOR (TURMERIC), PRESERVATIVE (BHT).
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Highly Processed?
In our analysis, Instant Mashed Potatoes scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Emulsifiers (Dehydrated Potato With Emulsifier (Mono- And Diglycerides)And Preservative (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bisulfite, Citric Acid)): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
- Natural Flavors (Of: Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.
Within Prepared Entrees, this product is more processed than about 25% 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 Instant Mashed Potatoes' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Maltodextrin.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator
In this product: Calcium Silicate.
Common in powdered processed foods.
- Natural ColorsProcessing indicator
In this product: Color (Turmeric).
Natural sources but still indicate processing.
- Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator
In this product: Preservative (Bht).
Natural sources but industrial application.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
Brown Jasmine Rice
1.07.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Colavita, Instant Polenta Cornmeal
1.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Dine in Long Grain Rice
1.05.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Freshline Sweet Potato Fries, 20 Oz
Freshline
1.06.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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