Cheesecake

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Cheesecake 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.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Glucose Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cream Cheese [Cultured Cream And Milk, Salt, Xanthan, Carob Bean And Guar Gums], Cream [Cream, Carrageenan, Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 80], Xanthan Gum, +4 more): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Sour Cream [Cultured Milk And Cream, Enzymes]): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Alkalized)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

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 Cheesecake'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.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavor.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Chocolate Chips [Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Dextrose, Soy Lecithin, Vanillin].

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Canola And/Or Palm Oil, Soybean Oil, Shortening [Palm Oil, Soy Lecithin].

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Spread [Milk, Sugar, Glucose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)], Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Evaporated Milk [Milk, Dipotassium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Vitamin D3].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Sulfate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.