Ranch Fried Chicken

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Carrageenan With Dextrose): 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 Ranch 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: Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast Patty With Rib Meat (Chicken Breast Meat With Rib Meat, Water, Enriched Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Modified Food Starch, Yellow Corn Flour, Wheat Flour, Contains 1% Or Less Of Salt, Isolated Soy Protein, Rice Starch, Dextrose, Chicken Flavor [Dried Chicken Broth, Chicken Powder, Flavor], Sodium Phosphates, Spices, Paprika Extracts, Yeast, Xanthan Gum, Breading Set In Vegetable Oil), Sour Cream Flavor (Maltodextrin, Sour Cream Solids, Cultured Buttermilk, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract), 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.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Lactate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.