Medallion, Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Medallion, Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5, +1 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Whey Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate And Disodium Guanylate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Within Chips & Crisps, this product is more processed than about 85% of the 10,682 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 Medallion, Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Contains One Or More Of The Following: Corn, Sunflower, Safflower, Or Canola Oil), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.