Jalapeno & Cheese Beef Stick

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Jalapeno & Cheese Beef Stick scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Pasteurized Processed Cheddar Cheese (Cheddar Cheese, [Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Cream, Sodium Phosphates, Salt, Beta Carotene [Color], Powdered Cellulose (To Prevent Caking), Potassium Sorbate And Natamycin (Preservatives))): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Sodium Erythorbate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Jerky & Meat Snacks, this product is more processed than about 86% of the 2,448 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 Jalapeno & Cheese Beef Stick'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.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Pickled Jalapenos (Peppers, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Phosphoric Acid, Calcium Chloride, Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite)).

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Brown Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.