Dark Chocolate Decadence Bar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Processed Meats (Hydrolyzed Gelatin): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Cocoa Soy Nuggets [Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Tapioca Starch], Milk Protein Isolate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Sugar Alcohols (Maltitol, Maltitol Syrup): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.

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 Decadence 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.

Processed Fruit ProductsUPF marker

In this product: Unsweetened Chocolate (Processed With Alkali), Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali).

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Cellulose.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Chocolate Flavored Layer [Fructooligosaccharides, Polydextrose, Palm Kernel And Palm Oil, Water, Glycerin, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Unsweetened Chocolate, Nonfat Dry Milk, Salted Butter (Cream, Salt), Mono And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Sodium Citrate, Natural Flavor, Sucralose, Carrageenan], Chocolate Flavored Coating [Palm Kernel Oil, Polydextrose, Maltitol, Whey Protein Concentrate, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Whole Milk Powder, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium], Acesulfame Potassium.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sunflower Oil, Palm Kernel And Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Polydextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin Mineral Mix [Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Chromium Amino Acid Chelate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.