Key Lime Cake, Key Lime

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Fats (Interesterified Shortening): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Propionate And Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, +2 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Other Additives (Emulsifier (Mono And Diglycerides, Propylene Glycol Ester Of Fatty Acids, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate), Confectioner'S Glaze, Carnauba Wax): 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 Key Lime Cake, Key Lime'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: Sorbitan Monostearate, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Agar, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavors.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Molasses, Honey.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Liquid Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Margarine (Interesterified Soybean Oil, Water, Mono And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate, Artificial Flavor, Beta Carotene [Color], Vitamin A Palmitate Added), Lime Oil.

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 (Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Acetate, Calcium Carbonate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.