The processing score reflects 21 ingredients, including artificial colors, hydrogenated oil, artificial flavoring, plus 2 more we flag. The nutrition score reflects high sugar.
Nutrition Highlights
Nutrient Alerts

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* 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
18 listed · 8 flagged for reviewSUGAR, GLUCOSE SYRUP, MALTODEXTRIN, DEXTROSE, HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL; CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: CITRIC ACID, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SORBITOL, GLYCEROL, CARNAUBA WAX, RICE STARCH, BEESWAX, SHELLAC, GELLAN GUM, SUCROSE FATTY ACID ESTERS, RED 40, YELLOW 6, BLUE 1, YELLOW 5.
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, Candy Bites scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1, +1 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
- Sugar Alcohols (Sorbitol): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.
- Emulsifiers (Glycerol): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
- Other Additives (Carnauba Wax, Beeswax, Shellac): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
Within Candy, this product is more processed than about 32% of the 21,778 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 Candy Bites' 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: Gellan Gum.
Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, and 1 more.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Hydrogenated Coconut Oil; Contains Less Than 2% Of: Citric Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.

Ball Candy
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Crystalized Ginger
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Crystallized Ginger Jengibre
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Dryden & Palmer, Rock Candy Sugar Stick
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
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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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