Pumpkin & Orange Cranberry Mini Muffins

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Pumpkin & Orange Cranberry Mini Muffins scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Of: Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Guar Gum, Xanthan 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 & Orange Cranberry Mini Muffins' 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: Sugar, Molasses, Dextrose Soy Flour, Caramel (Color). Orange Cranberry Muffin Ingredients: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Artificial Flavor, Color [Beta-Carotene], Vitamin A Palmitate), Bleached Enriched Wheat Flour Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Water, Soybean Oil Eggs, Cranberries, Orange Zest Orange Peel, Cane Sugar Orange Oil , Contains 2% Or Less Of: Margarine Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate [Preservative], Artificial Flavor, Beta-Carotene [Color], Vitamin A Palmitate , Modified Cornstarch, Glycerin, Invert Sugar, Leavening Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate Monocalcium Phosphate , Mono-And Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Polysorbate 60, Whey Milk, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Nonfat Dry Milk, Salt, Vital Wheat Gluten, Soy Flour, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate Preservative, Sodium Propionate Preservative , Sorbic Acid Preservative, Color Fd&C Yellow 5.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Propionate.

Natural sources but industrial application.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sorbic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.