Cheeseburger, Bacon

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Proteins (Textured Vegetable Protein (Soy Protein Concentrate, Caramel Color, Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Gluconate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate [B-1], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [B-6], Riboflavin [B-2], Cyanocobalamin [B-12])): Extensive modification indicates UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Industrial Enzymes (Enzymes): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin (Non-Sticking Agent)): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Smoke Flavoring): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Frozen Burgers & Patties, this product is more processed than about 84% of the 1,281 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 Cheeseburger, Bacon'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.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Erythorbate.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate. Sesame Seed Bun: Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Enzyme), Calcium Sulfate, Sodium Citrate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Of: Yeast (Yeast, Sorbitan Monostearate, Ascorbic Acid).

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Propionate.

Natural sources but industrial application.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Monoglycerides With Ascorbic Acid And Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid. Pasteurized Process American Cheese Food: American Cheese Food (Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Enzymes).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.