Old-Fashioned Cruller Donuts

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Old-Fashioned Cruller Donuts scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Mono- And Diglycerides, +2 more): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Agar-Agar, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, +1 more): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

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 Old-Fashioned Cruller Donuts' 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, Maltodextrin, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Aluminum Sulfate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Beta Carotene.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.