Popcorn, Hot Cheese
Processing Score
16.9Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
4/10Fair
The processing score reflects 28 ingredients, including artificial colors, hydrogenated oil, artificial flavoring, plus 2 more we flag. The nutrition score reflects high sodium, saturated fat and total fat.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein SourceGood Fiber Source
Nutrient Alerts
High SodiumHigh FatHigh Saturated Fat
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
041262272460
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size53 g
Amount per serving
Calories
290
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g
24%
Saturated Fat 4g
20%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol <5mg
2%
Sodium 490mg
21%
Total Carbohydrate 26g
9%
Dietary Fiber 4g
14%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 4g
Calcium 40mg
3%
Iron 0.7mg
4%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
23 listed · 10 flagged for reviewPOPCORN, VEGETABLE OIL (CONTAINS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: CORN, COTTONSEED, SUNFLOWER, SOYBEAN OR CANOLA OIL), MALTODEXTRIN, WHEY, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, SALT, CHEESE BLEND [GRANULAR AND BLUE (CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES)], ONION POWDER, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, SPICE AND HERB, NATURAL FLAVOR, SOYBEAN OIL, CITRIC ACID, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 5, LACTIC ACID, PAPRIKA, ANNATTO, YELLOW 6, RED 40.
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?
In our analysis, Popcorn, Hot Cheese scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
- Artificial Colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, +1 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
- Industrial Enzymes (Cheese Blend [Granular And Blue (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes)]): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
- Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
Within Popcorn & Pretzels, this product is more processed than about 79% of the 4,573 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 Popcorn, Hot 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.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Vegetable Oil (Contains One Or More Of The Following: Corn, Cottonseed, Sunflower, Soybean Or Canola Oil), Soybean Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Maltodextrin, Sugar.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Sodium Phosphate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Citric Acid, Lactic Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator
In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.
Industrial fermentation for additive production.
- Natural ColorsProcessing indicator
In this product: Annatto.
Natural sources but still indicate processing.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
100% Whole Grain Popcorn Kernels
1.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
100% Whole Grain Purple Popcorn
1.09.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
365 Everyday Value, Microwave Popcorn
1.010.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Act Ii, Microwave Popcorn, Kernels
1.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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