Shortcake

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch, Modified Tapioca Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Glucose): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Alginate Blend (Sodium Alginate, Sugar, Sodium Polyphosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate), Alginate Blend (Tetrasodium Diphosphate, Sodium Alginate), Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

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 Shortcake'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: Sweetened Strawberries (Strawberries, Sugar), Sugar, Icing Sugar (Sugar, Corn Starch), White Chocolatey Coating (Sugar, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Whey, Nonfat Milk, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Canola Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Modified Corn Starch, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.