Skim Milk

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Dried Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (As A Preservative. Artificial Color): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Milk Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Tripolyphosphate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Cheese, this product is more processed than about 94% of the 19,171 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 Skim Milk'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.

Flavor EnhancersUPF marker

In this product: Disodium Inosinate.

Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Calcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin A Palmitate.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.