Stuffed Jalapeno

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Stuffed Jalapeno 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.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Sodium Alginate): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Frozen Appetizers, this product is more processed than about 39% of the 4,714 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 Stuffed Jalapeno'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: Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos (Brined Jalapeno Pepper [Green Jalapeno Halves, Water, Salt, Acetic Acid, Sodium Benzoate], Pasteurized Process Cheddar Cheese Product [Cultured Milk, Water, Cream, Buttermilk, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Vegetable Color, Enzymes], Cheddar Cheese Sauce [Cheese Whey, Water, Palm Oil, Tapioca Starch, Modified Food Starch, Cheddar Cheese {Milk Cultures, Salt And Enzymes}], Maltodextrin, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Vinegar, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Mono & Diglycerides, Phosphoric Acid, Annatto Color, Carotene Color, Paprika Color, Wheat Flour, Modified Food Starch), Sugar, Dextrose, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Soybean And/Or Canola), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt, Iodized Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast Extract, Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color, Annatto Extract.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.