Kung Pao Sauce

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Cooking Sauces, this product is more processed than about 83% of the 9,519 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 Kung Pao Sauce'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, Cooking Wine (Corn Syrup, Water, Rice Seasoning, Distilled Vinegar, Fermented Wheat Protein, Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Soy Sauce [Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt], Sodium Benzoate - Preservative).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sesame Oil, Peanut Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.