Special Value, Ranch Light Dressing

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Special Value, Ranch Light Dressing scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate As Preservative): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Dressings & Mayo, this product is more processed than about 71% of the 5,534 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 Special Value, Ranch Light Dressing'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: Vegetable Oil (Canola And/Or Soybean).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin, Sugar.

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: Phosphoric Acid, Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Titanium Dioxide.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Disodium Phosphate, Calcium Disodium Edta To Protect Flavor.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.