Dessert Shells

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Emulsifiers (Sorbitan Monostearate, Polysorbate 60, Mono And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Enzymes): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant 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 Dessert Shells' 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, Invert Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean 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: Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Corn Starch, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Preservatives (Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Propionate, Potasium Sorbate).

Natural sources but industrial application.