Tortilla Chips, Cool Ranch

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Tortilla Chips, Cool Ranch 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.
• Artificial Colors (Artificial Color (Including Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5)): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Sodium Acetate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Within Chips & Crisps, this product is more processed than about 85% of the 10,682 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 Tortilla Chips, Cool Ranch'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.

Flavor EnhancersUPF marker

In this product: Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate.

Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

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

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin (Made From Corn), Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Malic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.