Ice Cream

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Cocoa Powder): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors, Natural Vanilla Flavor (Wonf)): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, this product is more processed than about 38% of the 14,928 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 Ice Cream'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.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum, Tara Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Brown Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Bicarbonate.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Extract.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Coconut Oil (Refined).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.