Chocolate Cake, Chocolate

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate 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.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Tbhq): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Artificial Colors (Blue 1 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.

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 Chocolate Cake, Chocolate'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.

Processed Fruit ProductsUPF marker

In this product: Cocoa [Processed With Alkali].

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate-60, Soy Lecithin, Sorbitan Monostearate.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Propylene Glycol Monoesters, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Confectioner'S Glaze.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Agar, and 2 more.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Margarine (Palm Oil And Soybean Oils, Water, Salt, Mono And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate (A Preservative), Artificial Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Shortening [Palm And Soybean Oils, Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate-60, Tbhq [A Preservative], Citric Acid (A Preservative)], Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.