Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Tapioca Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Sodium Alginate, Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

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 Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sweetened Strawberries (Strawberries, Sugar), Sugar, Confectioner'S Sugar (Sugar, Corn Starch).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Canola Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Dicalcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.