Instant Pudding & Pie Filling

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Instant Pudding & Pie Filling scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Tapioca And Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Processed With Alkali): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Puddings & Gelatin, this product is more processed than about 36% of the 1,991 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 Instant Pudding & Pie Filling'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Disodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: High Oleic Sunflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.