Nacho Cheese
Processing Score
24.2Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
—/10No Data
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
028400637992
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Nutrition data isn't available for this product.
Imported and store-brand products often ship without a structured nutrition label, so we leave it blank rather than estimate.
Ingredients
44 listed · 10 flagged for reviewAMERICAN CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, WATER, SOYBEAN OIL, YELLOW CORN MEAL, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, YELLOW CORN FLOUR, LESS THAN 2% OF THE FOLLOWING: CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), SEMI-SOFT CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), ROMANO CHEESE (PART-SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), MALTODEXTRIN (MADE FROM CORN), MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, RED AND GREEN BELL PEPPER POWDER, CREAM, ONION POWDER, SALT, SKIM MILK, WHEY, BUTTER (CREAM, SALT), CORN OIL, GARLIC POWDER, SPICES, DEXTROSE, CORN GERM, SUGAR, YEAST, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, MODIFIED POTATO STARCH, RICE FLOUR, DEXTRIN, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES, SORBIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, MODIFIED CELLULOSE, CELLULOSE GUM, POWDERED CELLULOSE, XANTHAN GUM, WHOLE EGGS, LEAVENING (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, AND BAKING SODA), SUNFLOWER OIL.
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?
In our analysis, Nacho Cheese scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch, Modified Potato Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
- Corn-Based Sweeteners (Dextrin): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
- Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- Other Additives (Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Medium Chain Triglycerides): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
Within Frozen Appetizers, this product is more processed than about 39% of the 4,714 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 Nacho Cheese'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.
- Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker
In this product: Modified Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Powdered Cellulose, Xanthan Gum.
Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Soybean Oil, Corn Oil, Sunflower Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Maltodextrin (Made From Corn), Dextrose, Sugar.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator
In this product: Yeast.
Industrial fermentation for additive production.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Sodium Phosphate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator
In this product: Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, And Baking Soda).
Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
Baked Ripe Plantains
1.06.0
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1.07.5
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Catfish Nuggets
Rouses Markets
1.07.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Chicken Gourmet Tender, Chicken
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1.05.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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