Ethel M Chocolates, Mint Dark Chocolate

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerine): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Vegetable Gum (Carob Bean Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Gum Arabic, Gum Aracia, Gum Tragacanth & Xanthan Gum Blend)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

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 Ethel M Chocolates, Mint 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: Semisweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Chocolate Processed With Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Beans), Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Less Than 2% - Coconut Oil, Peppermint Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.