Mexican Rice

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Within Prepared Entrees, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 6,999 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 Mexican Rice'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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil (Refined).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dried Tomato. Contains Less Than 1% Of: Sugar, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Disodium Guanylate. Freshness Preserved By Sodium Metabisulfite.

Natural sources but industrial application.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Ascorbic Acid, Rosemary Extract And Tocopherol.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.