Bark Bar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Bark Bar scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel, Coconut, And/Or Palm)): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Flavors (Vanillin (Artificial Flavor)): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

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 Bark Bar's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Peppermint Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: U.S. Certified Color (Fd&C Red 40).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.