Popcorn, Parmesan Cheese

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

In our analysis, Popcorn, Parmesan Cheese scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Industrial Enzymes (Organic White Cheddar Cheese Flavored Powder [Organic Whey, Organic Buttermilk, Organic Tapioca Maltodextrin, Organic Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Organic Natural Cheddar Cheese Flavor (Contains Organic Yeast Extract), Sea Salt, Organic Natural Blue Cheese Flavor, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid]): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Popcorn & Pretzels, this product is more processed than about 43% of the 4,573 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 Popcorn, Parmesan 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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sunflower And/Or Safflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin, Organic Tapioca Syrup Solids.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.