Spaghetti & Meatballs

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Proteins (Textured Vegetable Protein Added): Extensive modification indicates UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Bha, Bht): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Textured Vegetable Protein [Soy Protein Concentrate, Caramel Color]): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate And Disodium Guanmate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Parmesan Cheese Parmesan Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes]): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Within Prepared Entrees, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 6,999 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 Spaghetti & Meatballs' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Powdered Cellulose [To Prevent Caking].

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Spaghetti Pasta [Semolina {Wheat}, Durum Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulphate {Iron}, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Canola Oil And Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sauce [Tomato (Tomato, Tomato Juice, Citric Acid, Calcium Chloride], Water, Onion, Tomato, Sugar, Olive Oil, Basil, Salt, Garlic, Corn Starch, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Xanthan Gum, Dried Thyme, Dried Red Chili Pepper).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color Added, Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.