Snack Mix

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Within Other Snacks, this product is more processed than about 65% of the 7,439 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 Snack Mix'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.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Cheese Crackers (Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Folic Acid], Soybean And Palm Oil With Tbhq For Freshness, Cheese Made With Skim Milk [Skim Milk, Whey Protein, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto Extract For Color], Salt, Paprika, Yeast, Paprika Oleoresin For Color, Cheese Cultures), Pretzels (Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Folic Acid], Salt, Vegetable Oil [Corn, Canola And/Or Soybean Oil], Corn Syrup, Yeast, Baking Soda), Bread Slices (Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Folic Acid], Vegetable Oil [Corn, Canola, And/Or Soybean Oil], Corn Syrup, Salt, Whey, Nonfat Milk, Yeast).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Wheat Squares (Whole Wheat, Sugar, Salt), Cheese-Flavored Rice Balls (Rice Flour, Vegetable Oil [Sunflower, Safflower, Rice And/Or Canola Oil], Maltodextrin, Salt, Whey, Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Reduced Lactose Whey, Buttermilk, Natural Flavor, Onion, Sugar, Disodium Phosphate, Garlic, Autolyzed Yeast, Citric Acid, Blue Cheese [Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt Enzymes], Lactic Acid), Maltodextrin, Sugar, and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil With Tbhq For Freshness.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Torula Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.