Ice Cream

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Ice Cream 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.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Coconut Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gel, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum, +2 more): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, this product is more processed than about 38% of the 14,928 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 Ice Cream'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: Polysorbate 80, Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Processed Fruit ProductsUPF marker

In this product: Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Cocoa.

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Blue 1. Choco Chip - Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Coconut Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.