Tastykake, Red Velvet Mini Donuts

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Tastykake, Red Velvet Mini Donuts scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed And Soybean Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40 Aluminum Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Propionate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alakali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant 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, Red Velvet Mini Donuts' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Glycerine, Soy Lecithin, Sorbitan Monostearate, Polysorbate 80.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Distilled Monoglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Propylene Glycol Monoester.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar Coating (Dextrose, Modified Cornstarch, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening [Soybean Oil And/Or Cottonseed Oil], Artificial Color, Artificial Flavor, Calcium Propionate [Preservative]), Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

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

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.