Instant Mashed Potatoes, Butter & Herb

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Butter & Herb scores Ultra-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: Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

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 Instant Mashed Potatoes, Butter & Herb'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: Maltodextrin, Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Silicate.

Common in powdered processed foods.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Preservative (Bht).

Natural sources but industrial application.