Salsa Queso with Real Bacon

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Proteins (Textured Vegetable Protein (Soy Flour, Caramel Color, Red 3)): Extensive modification indicates UPF.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor, Natural Smoke Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Cheese, this product is more processed than about 94% of the 19,171 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 Salsa Queso with Real Bacon'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: Cheese Premix (Dehydrated Blend Of Cheddar Cheese [Whey, Cheddar {Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes}, Whey Protein Concentrate, Lactose, Maltodextrin, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid], Modified Food Starch, Whey, Dextrose, Salt, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Color Added [Annatto, Paprika]), Bacon Bits (Cured With Water, Salt, Sugar, Smoke Flavoring, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite), Sugar, Maple Syrup.

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.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Inactive Dried Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.