Slim Jim Maple Bacon Jerky

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

In our analysis, Slim Jim Maple Bacon Jerky scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Artificial Flavors (Maple Flavor (Natural And Artificial Flavors, Lactic Acid)): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Smoke Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Sodium Erythorbate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Beef, Pork & Lamb, this product is more processed than about 77% of the 4,915 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 Slim Jim Maple Bacon Jerky'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: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.