Pepsi Cola 16 Fluid Ounce Plastic Bottle

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

In our analysis, Pepsi Cola 16 Fluid Ounce Plastic Bottle scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Other Additives (Caffeine): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Other Beverages, this product is more processed than about 52% of the 3,934 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 Pepsi Cola 16 Fluid Ounce Plastic Bottle'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 ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Phosphoric Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.