Uncured Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites with Breading

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Uncured Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites with Breading scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Rice Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Parmesan Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Enzymes, Salt)Panko Breadcrumbs (Unbleached Wheat Flour, Sugar, Yeast, Salt)): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Within Frozen Appetizers, this product is more processed than about 39% of the 4,714 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 Uncured Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites with Breading'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.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Ditalini Pasta (Water, Enriched Durum Semolina [Durum Semolina Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrius Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Uncured Bacon No Nitrites Or Nitrates Added Except As Naturally Occurring In Sea Salt And Celery Juice Powder (Cured With: Water, Sea Salt, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors)Whole Milk (Milk, Vitamin D).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Canola Oil, Soy Bean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Sea Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.