Assorted Milk & Dark Chocolates

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Artificial Flavors (Vanillin (Artificial Flavor)}): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate And Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40}): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Chocolate Processed With Alkali, Chocolate, Cocoa Powder): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant 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 Assorted Milk & 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.

Sugar AlcoholsUPF marker

In this product: Sorbitol.

Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Hydroxide.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dark Chocolate {Sugar, Milk Chocolate {Sugar, Invert Sugar, and 5 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil, Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Mono And Diglycerides With Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sulfur Dioxide (Preserves Color), Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, Blue 1 & 2), Caramel Color, Carmine Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.