Pumpkin Gingerbread

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Food Starch- Modified Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Powdered Cellulose, Guar Gum, Agar-Agar, +3 more): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Other Additives (Distilled Monoglycerides, Emulsifier Blend (Propylene Glycol Ester Of Fatty Acids, Mono-Diglycerides And Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate)): 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 Pumpkin Gingerbread'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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Brown Sugar (Sugar, Invert Sugar, And Cane Molasses), Dextrose, Molasses.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil, Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Canola Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color, Beta Carotene.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Soybean Oil, Salt. Contains Less Than 2% Of: Vegetable Mono & Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate [Preservative], Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Beta Carotine (Color), Vitamin A Palmitate Added, Whey).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.