Shredded Cheddar Imitation Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Casein And/Or Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Sodium Phosphates): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Carrageenan): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

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 Shredded Cheddar Imitation Cheese'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: Maltodextrin, Food Starch, Powdered Cellulose, Dextrose, Glucose Oxidase, Added To Prevent Caking And To Maintain Freshness.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sorbic Acid (As A Preservative).

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.