Hot Cocoa

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (May Contain Coconut, Soybean, Sunflower, Palm And/Or Canola)): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

Within Drink Mixes, this product is more processed than about 51% of the 4,985 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 Hot Cocoa'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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono-And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactose. Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Silicon Dioxide.

Common in powdered processed foods.