Dark Chocolate Almond Bars

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Nuggets (Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Tapioca Starch, Salt), Soy Protein Isolate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Processed Fruit Products (Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Snack & Energy Bars, this product is more processed than about 65% of the 8,001 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 Dark Chocolate Almond Bars' 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: Chocolate Flavored Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Soy Lecithin, Nonfat Milk Powder, Vanilla), Liquid Fructose, Chocolate Powder (Natural Cocoa Powder, Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Chocolate Cookie Pieces (Bleached Wheat Flour, Sugar, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Sunflower Oil, Salt, Baking Soda).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: High Oleic Safflower Oil; Less Than 2% Of: Glycerin.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt. Vitamin And Mineral Blend Calcium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid [Vit. C], Magnesium Oxide, Di-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate [Vit. E , Niacinamide Vit. B3 , Zinc Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate [Vit. B5], Ferrous Fumarate [Iron , Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vit. B6], Vitamin A Palmitate, Riboflavin [Vit. B2], Thiamine Mononitrate [Vit. B1], Folic Acid [Vit. B6], Chromium Chloride, Biotin Vit. B7 , Sodium Selenite, Sodium Molybdate, Vitamin B12.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.