Junior Layer Cake

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Flavors (Natural And Artificial Flavor (Contains Milk And Egg Ingredients)): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5 Aluminum Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Other Additives (Leaving (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Monoglycerides, Propylene Glycol): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

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 Junior Layer 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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Monostearate, and 1 more.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum, Agar.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Liquid Sucrose, Dextrose, Lemon Puree (Lemon Juice, Sugar, Lemon Pulp Cells, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Ground Lemon Peel, Lemon Oil).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, And Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil), Lemon Juice With Added Lemon 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: Calcium Sulfate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Color, Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid And Benzoic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.