Pepper Jack Cheese Spread

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Pepper Jack Cheese Spread 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.
• Industrial Enzymes (Cheese [Monterey Jack Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)]): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Other Additives (Gums (Acacia, Guar, Carrageenan, Locust Bean, Xanthan)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Cheese, this product is more processed than about 94% of the 19,171 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 Pepper Jack Cheese Spread'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: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.