Midnight Assorted Dark Chocolates, Dark Chocolates

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Midnight Assorted Dark Chocolates, Dark Chocolates scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Glucose): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Bha, Bht (Preserves Freshness)Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5 & 6, Red 40 & 3, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Chocolate Liquor Processed With Alkali): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Natural Flavors (Vanilla, Artificial & Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Chocolate, this product is more processed than about 67% of the 9,618 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 Midnight Assorted Dark Chocolates, Dark Chocolates' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Carrageenan.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Molasses, Invert Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Coconut Oil, Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel & Cottonseed Oils), Sunflower Oil, Peanut Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium & Potassium Metabisulfite (Sulfites).

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Tocopherols.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.