Shortbread Cookies

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Artificial Colors (Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2, +8 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Confectioner'S Glaze, Carnauba Wax): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Cookies & Crackers, this product is more processed than about 51% of the 18,630 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 Shortbread Cookies' 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, Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel And Palm Oil, Cocoa Powder, Cocoa Powder Processed With Alkali, Sorbitan Tristearate, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Soybean Oil, Salt, Mono And Diglycerides, Annatto [Color], Calcium Disodium Edta [Preservative], Artificial Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Of: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Sulfate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Mono-Calcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.