Peppermint Brownies

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Natural And Processed With Alkali), Chocolate Liquor): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Sugar Alcohols (Sorbitol): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.

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 Peppermint Brownies' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Cellulose Gum, Agar, Locust Bean Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Hexametaphosphate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose, Topped With Peppermint (Rice Syrup, Cane Sugar, Coconut Oil, Peppermint Oil, Beet Juice Concentrate, Soy Lecithin).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Soybean Oil And Cottonseed Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Sulfate, Corn Starch, Calcium Sulfate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Sulfate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.