Stouffer's, Fried Chicken

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Stouffer's, Fried Chicken scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch, Modified Tapioca Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- & Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Frozen Dinners, this product is more processed than about 37% of the 5,358 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 Stouffer's, Fried Chicken'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: Fried Chicken Breast Patties With Rib Meat (Chicken Breast Meat With Rib Meat, Water, Enriched Flour [Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Modified Corn Starch, Yellow Corn Flour, Wheat Flour, Salt, 1% Or Less Of Dextrose, Modified Rice Starch, Isolated Soy Protein, Chicken Flavor [Dried Chicken Broth, Chicken Powder, Natural Flavor], Sodium Phosphates, Spices, Extractives Of Paprika, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean And/Or Cottonseed Oil, Yeast, Mono And Diglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Breading Set In Vegetable Oil), Butter Flavor (Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor, Annatto & Turmeric Color), Chicken Flavor (Chicken And Chicken Broth [Water And Chicken Stock], Soy Sauce [Soybeans, Salt, Wheat, Maltodextrin], Salt, Cultured Whey, Flavors, Maltodextrin, Chicken Fat, Dextrose).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.