Kellogg Pop-Tarts Chocolate Chip 22oz

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Kellogg Pop-Tarts Chocolate Chip 22oz scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Meats (Gelatin): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, +1 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Processed With Alkali): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Other Additives (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate): 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 Kellogg Pop-Tarts Chocolate Chip 22oz'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: Soy Lecithin, Datem.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose, Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Chocolate, Dextrose, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Milkfat, Vanilla), Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Milk, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate), and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean And Palm Oil (With Tbhq For Freshness).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.