Dark Chocolate Mini Buckeyes, Dark Chocolate

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Fat (Palm)): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Artificial Flavors (Vanillin (Artificial Flavor)): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Chemical Preservatives (Tbhq): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa Powder Processed Wth Alkali): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Chocolate, this product is more processed than about 67% of the 9,618 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 Mini Buckeyes, Dark Chocolate'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.