Tastykake, Mini Cupcakes with Hershey's Cocoa

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Tastykake, Mini Cupcakes with Hershey's Cocoa scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa, Chocolate, Cocoa Processed With Alkali): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Other Additives (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Monoglyceride): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Cakes & Pastries, this product is more processed than about 16% of the 11,919 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 Tastykake, Mini Cupcakes with Hershey's Cocoa'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.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Agar, Xanthan Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono- And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Datem, Sorbitan Monostearate.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Stripe (Sugar, Palm Kernel And Palm Oil, Skim Milk, Titanium Dioxide (Artificial Color), Soy Lecithin), Dextrose, Agave Inulin Syrup.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Shortening (Soybean Oil, Palm Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Preserved With Sorbic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.