Chex Mix Dark Chocolate Snack Mix

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Chex Mix Dark Chocolate Snack Mix scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (Palm Kernel, Coconut, And/Or Palm)): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Freshness Preserved By Bht): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Cocoa, Chocolate Liquor): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Other Additives (Distilled Monoglycerides): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Other Snacks, this product is more processed than about 65% of the 7,439 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 Chex Mix Dark Chocolate Snack Mix'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: Soy Lecithin, Sorbitan Monostearate, Polysorbate 60.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dark Chocolate Candy Pieces (Dark Chocolate [Sugar, Chocolate Liquor ,Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla], Sugar, Artificial Coloring Including Red 40 Lake, Gum Arabic, Corn Syrup, Confectioners Glaze [Carnauba Wax, Beeswax, Shellac]), Yogurt Flavored Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Maltodextrin, Yogurt Powder [Cultured Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Yogurt Cultures], Nonfat Milk Solids, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor), Fructose. Contains 2% Or Less Of: Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Soybean, Canola, Rice Bran And/Or Corn).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda, Ammonium Bicarbonate.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.