Butter & Herb Mashed Potatoes

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Butter & Herb Mashed Potatoes 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.
• Emulsifiers (Mono And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Whey Protein Concentrate (From Milk)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Within Prepared Entrees, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 6,999 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 Butter & Herb Mashed Potatoes' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Margarine (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Salt, Nonfat Dry Milk, Soy Lecithin, Mono And Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Annatto Extract [Color]).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose, Maltodextrin (From Corn).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Freshness Protected By Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bisulfite, Citric Acid, Tocopherols, And Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Natural sources but industrial application.