Creamy Tomato Bisque — ENGINEERED

Munch or Dump rates Creamy Tomato Bisque by Wholesome@Home ENGINEERED — score 30/90.

A 'homemade-style' tomato soup that's actually a lab-built flavor stack: yeast extract and hydrolyzed soy protein supply free glutamate, modified cornstarch thickens it, and added sugar plus chicken flavor and annatto color round out a NOVA 4 formula.

Why this verdict

• Two free-glutamate flavor enhancers stacked: yeast extract plus hydrolyzed soy protein
• Modified cornstarch thickener and a manufactured 'chicken flavor' blend signal a lab-built recipe
• Added sugar and canola oil pad palatability beyond what real tomato and cream need
• Annatto color and nisin preservative push it to NOVA 4 ultra-processed
• High fat (22g) and sodium (710mg) per serving

Ingredients (18)

• Tomato puree (water, tomato paste) (safe) — Real tomato base — the bulk of the jar and a source of lycopene.
• cream (safe) — Real dairy adds richness.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
• Butternut squash (safe) — A real vegetable adding body and natural sweetness.
• Chicken stock concentrate (moderate) — Adds savory depth but typically high in sodium and a processed concentrate.
• Butter (cream, salt) (safe) — Real dairy butter, not shortening — clean fat source.
• CANOLA OIL (moderate) — Refined vegetable oil.
• modified cornstarch (moderate) — Industrial thickener; NOVA 4 marker.
• Unbleached enriched wheat flour (moderate) — Refined white flour; the base of the product. Fast-digesting starch with the bran and germ removed.
• flavoring (moderate) — Undefined flavor component, the only vague entry on the list.
• Chicken flavor (contains lactose, salt, xanthan gum, egg yolk flavor) (moderate) — A manufactured flavor blend with its own stabilizer and flavor sub-ingredients, classic engineered savory component.
• YEAST EXTRACT (moderate) — A hidden source of free glutamate, stacked with MSG for umami.
• Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (moderate) — Free-glutamate flavor enhancer used to boost savory taste.
• annatto extract for color (safe) — A natural colorant, but its presence means the soup is being styled to look richer than it is.
• Nisin preparation (moderate) — Natural preservative to extend shelf life.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• olive oil (safe) — A real culinary fat, not a refined seed oil.
• Garlic, onions, spice (safe) — Real aromatics and seasoning.