Pepperoni with Jalapeno & Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Pepperoni with Jalapeno & Cheese 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.
• Processed Meats (Sodium Nitrite. In Collagen Casing): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Smoke Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Sodium Erythorbate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Other Snacks, this product is more processed than about 65% of the 7,439 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 Pepperoni with Jalapeno & Cheese'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.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Processed Cheddar Cheese [Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Water, Cream, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Artificial Coloring], Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose, Flavor (Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.