Smart Balance, Imitation Butter

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Plant Proteins (Pea Protein): Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
• Other Additives (Monoglycerider Of Vegetable Fatty Acids): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Cream & Butter, this product is more processed than about 86% of the 3,591 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 Smart Balance, Imitation Butter'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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Oil Blend (Canola, Palm, Olive, And Soybean Oils).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Less Than 2 Percent Of Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Beta-Carotene Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Disodium Edta.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.