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.
• Artificial Flavors (Artificial Vanilla): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Processed With Alkali): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Other Additives (Propylene Glycol): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

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, Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono And Diglycerides.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Sulfate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.