Uncured Pepperoni with Aged Provolone Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Uncured Pepperoni with Aged Provolone Cheese 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.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Frozen Dinners, this product is more processed than about 37% of the 5,358 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 Pepperoni with Aged Provolone Cheese'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.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Fresh Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Olive Oil, Shortening Flakes (Palm Oil, Butter Flavor, And Soy Lecithin).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Evaporated Cane Sugar, Sauce (Tomato Puree [Water, Tomato Paste], Sugar, Salt, Dehydrated Garlic, Spices, Citric Acid And Xanthan Gum), Pork, Salt, Spices, Water, Dextrose, Paprika, Natural Flavoring, Dehydrated Garlic, Oleoresin Paprika, Lactic Acid Starter Culture.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Powder.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.