Shadow Cake

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Of: Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum Yellow 5): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Enzymes): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerine, Mono-And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, +2 more): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

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 Shadow Cake'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.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Propylene Glycol Esters Of Fatty Acids, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Soy Flavor.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, White Decorating Cream (Sugar, Palm And Soybean Oil, Nonfat Milk, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Sorbitan Tristerate, Soy Lecithin , Bha (Preservatives), Natural Flavor), Dextrose Egg Whites, Invert Sugar, and 3 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Canola Oil, 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.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Propionate, Sorbic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.