Queso Bites

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Less Than 2% Of Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Methylcellulose): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Frozen Appetizers, this product is more processed than about 39% of the 4,714 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 Queso Bites' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Expeller Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Cheddar Cheese Flavor (Dehydrated Blend Of Whey, Cheese [Granular And Blue {Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes}], Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Bicarbonate, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, 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.