M&m's Minis

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, M&m's Minis scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, Dextrin): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 2): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Vanilla Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Carnauba Wax): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Gum Acacia): Industrial stabilizers common in 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 M&m's Minis' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Blondie Brittle Mix (Patent Flour [Bleached Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Potassium Bromate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Molasses, M&M'S Minis Milk Chocolate Baking Bits (Milk Chocolate [Sugar, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Cocoa Butter, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Natural Flavors]).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Shortening.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.