Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Tapioca And Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 6 Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides, Sorbitan Monostearate, Soy Lecithin, +1 more): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Propylene Glycol Mono And Diesters Of Fats And Fatty Acids, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

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 Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin'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.

Processed Dairy IngredientsUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Caseinate.

Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Brown Sugar, The Following: Invert Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil, Vegetable Shortening (Palm And Soybean Oils, Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Preservative [Tbhq]).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

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: Calcium Acetate, Disodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Ascorbic Acid.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.