Vanilla Instant Pudding

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Vanilla Instant Pudding scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Other Additives (Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (For Thickening)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Emulsifiers (Mono-And Diglycerides (Contains Propyl Gallate And Citric Acid As Antioxidants)): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Puddings & Gelatin, this product is more processed than about 36% of the 1,991 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 Vanilla Instant Pudding'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Disodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Titanium Dioxide.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.