Root Beer

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness)): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Hickory Smoke Flavor (Aqueous Solution Of Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Product Contains More Than 10% But Less Than 80% Acetic Acid Which Is A Natural Constituents Of Liquid Smoke)): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Ketchup & Mustard, this product is more processed than about 77% of the 6,563 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 Root Beer'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Fitz'S Root Beer Syrup (Sugar, Water, Natural Flavors, Caramel Color, Vanillin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Quaillia), Honey, 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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.