Ice Cream

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Ice Cream 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 Fats (Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch (Corn)): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.

Within Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, this product is more processed than about 38% of the 14,928 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 Ice Cream'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: Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan. Vanilla Topping: Water, Xanthan Gum. Blueberry Variegate: High Fructose Corn Syrup, and 1 more.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids, and 1 more.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Processed Dairy IngredientsUPF marker

In this product: The Following: Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative), Soy Protein Isolate.

Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavor, Natural Flavors.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Fructose, Dextrose, Sodium Benzoate. Lemon Chips: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.