Original Chicken

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

In our analysis, Original Chicken scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Processed Meats (Mechanically Separated Chicken): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Modified Starches (Salt. Less Than 2% Of: Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Carrageenan): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Other Additives (Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Diacetate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Deli Meats, this product is more processed than about 46% of the 4,591 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 Original Chicken'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.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavoring.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Lactate, Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.