Pepperidge Farm Cakes Vanilla

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Pepperidge Farm Cakes Vanilla scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Processed Meats (Gelatin): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Emulsifiers (Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids, Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, +1 more): Industrial emulsifiers indicate 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 Pepperidge Farm Cakes Vanilla'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 Flavor, Vanilla Extract.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Processed Dairy IngredientsUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Caseinate.

Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Made From: Sugar, Dextrose, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oils (Soybean, Palm, Palm Kernel, Hydrogenated Cottonseed And/Or Canola).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornstarch, Monocalcium Phosphate), Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Extract.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.