# Betty Crocker Cake Mix, Pound Cake > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Betty Crocker - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Cooking & Baking - **Size:** 16 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/betty-crocker-cake-mix-pound-cake-16-oz - **Slug:** `betty-crocker-cake-mix-pound-cake-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The mix contains refined ingredients, added sugars, industrial oils, emulsifiers, gums, and artificial flavor/color — characteristic of ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4). These formulations are industrially produced and designed for long shelf life and standardized sensory qualities. ## Review Betty Crocker Pound Cake Mix is a familiar sight in the grocery baking aisle, shelved with other cake mixes, frosting tubs, and boxed dessert mixes — often near branded cupcake and sheet cake mixes and party baking supplies. The 16 oz box, emblazoned with the red Betty Crocker logo, promises a quick shortcut to a sweet, home-baked pound cake without the need for measuring dozens of ingredients. It’s marketed to busy home bakers, multigenerational families, and anyone seeking reliable, nostalgic treats — a mainstream, mid-market brand that trades on decades of American kitchen familiarity. The label leans on convenience and tradition rather than health claims; you’ll spot colorful branding and serving suggestions on the box but no organic certification, and the ingredient list includes “artificial flavor” and “color added.” In plain terms, this is a highly processed mix that includes refined flours, added sugars, emulsifiers, gums, and industrial additives to stabilize texture and shelf life. Sensory-wise, the finished pound cake bakes up with a golden crust and a dense, moist crumb with a pronounced sweet, buttery aroma and smooth mouthfeel; slices are often served with coffee, whipped cream, or ice cream. Packaging is a cardboard box with inner foil or plastic pouches for dry mix, designed for long shelf storage. The ritual is simple: mix with eggs and fat or water, pour into a pan, and bake — a quick, reassuring baking moment for birthdays, potlucks, or an easy weekend dessert. Its place in American grocery culture is practical, comforting, and emblematic of convenience baking. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.125 - **Servings per container:** 8 - **Calories:** 230 - **Total fat:** 2.5g (3% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 190mg (8% DV) - **Total carbs:** 48g (17% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 27g - **Added sugars:** 27g (54% DV) - **Protein:** 2g ## Ingredients Enriched Flour Bleached (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Corn Syrup, Palm Oil, Contains 2% or Less of: Corn Starch, Leavening (Baking Soda, Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate), Propylene Glycol Mono and Diesters, Salt, Monoglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Dicalcium Phosphate, Wheat Starch, Artificial Flavor, Color Added. ## Flagged ingredients - **Palm Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Monoglycerides** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Propylene Glycol Mono and Diesters** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Color Added** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, holiday-baking, movie-night - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the Pound Cake healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! This cake mix has a fair amount of sugar and refined carbs, with 27 grams of added sugars per serving. If you're looking for a treat to enjoy occasionally, it's perfectly fine, but it's not what you'd call a health food. ### Is the Pound Cake vegan? Nope, this mix isn’t vegan-friendly. It contains enriched flour, which is derived from wheat, and while it doesn't have any dairy listed, it does rely on ingredients that aren't typically vegan, like some of the emulsifiers used. ### Is the Pound Cake gluten-free? Unfortunately, this mix is not gluten-free. It contains enriched bleached wheat flour, which means it’s a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. But if you’re just looking to indulge, it’s all good! ### Does the Pound Cake contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain palm oil, which is technically classified as a seed oil. While palm oil has been a topic of debate regarding health and environmental impact, it’s commonly used in baking for its stability and texture. So, it's not necessarily a red flag, but it does matter if you're concerned about sourcing and sustainability. ### Does the Pound Cake contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in this mix. It's sweetened with good ol’ sugar and corn syrup, so you can expect that classic, sweet cake flavor without any sugar substitutes. ### Is the Pound Cake high in sugar? Yes, it is on the higher side when it comes to sugar! With 27 grams of added sugars per serving, it certainly satisfies a sweet tooth, but if you’re watching your sugar intake, you might want to enjoy it in moderation. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Pound Cake? If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider making a homemade cake using whole grain flours, natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and perhaps some fruit for added moisture and flavor. There are also some great gluten-free or vegan mixes out there if you're looking to accommodate specific dietary needs. ### Can kids eat the Pound Cake? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy this cake mix, especially for special occasions or treats. Just keep in mind that it's a sweet dessert, so it might be best as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack. ### Is the Pound Cake good for weight loss? This mix might not be the best choice if you're focusing on weight loss. With its high sugar content and refined carbs, it can contribute to calorie intake without providing much nutritional value. But hey, enjoying a slice now and then won’t derail your goals if you balance it out with healthier choices overall! ### Is the Pound Cake ultra-processed? You could definitely categorize this cake mix as ultra-processed. It contains a variety of ingredients that are not typically found in a home kitchen, like artificial flavors and emulsifiers. While it's convenient and delicious, it’s a good reminder that not all food needs to come from a box! ## Related products - [Gold Medal All-Purpose Flour](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gold-medal-all-purpose-flour-2-lb) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gold-medal-all-purpose-flour-2-lb - [McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix, Original](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-mccormick-chili-seasoning-mix-original-125-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-mccormick-chili-seasoning-mix-original-125-oz - [Domino Dark Brown Sugar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/domino-dark-brown-sugar-32-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/domino-dark-brown-sugar-32-oz - [Farmer's Market Organic Pumpkin Canned](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/farmers-farmers-market-organic-pumpkin-canned-15-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/farmers-farmers-market-organic-pumpkin-canned-15-oz - [Nestle Toll House Real Semi Sweet Chocolate Morsels](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nestle-toll-house-real-semi-sweet-chocolate-morsels-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nestle-toll-house-real-semi-sweet-chocolate-morsels-24-oz - [Pam Cooking Spray, Original](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pam-cooking-spray-original-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pam-cooking-spray-original-6-oz - [4C Bread Crumbs, Japanese Style Panko, Seasoned](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/4c-bread-crumbs-japanese-style-panko-seasoned-13-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/4c-bread-crumbs-japanese-style-panko-seasoned-13-oz - [Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, Gluten Free 40 fl oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/crisco-pure-vegetable-oil-gluten-free-40-fl-oz-40-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/crisco-pure-vegetable-oil-gluten-free-40-fl-oz-40-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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