Dessert Bars

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Whey Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, this product is more processed than about 38% of the 14,928 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 Dessert 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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Mono And Diglycerides, Polysorbate 80, Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Processed Fruit ProductsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Cocoa And Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Chocolate Liquor.

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto (Color). Coating: Coconut Oil, Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.