Ghirardelli Chocolate, Gourmet Assorted Chocolate

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Gourmet Assorted Chocolate scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Artificial Flavors (Vanillin - Artificial Flavor): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Processed Fruit Products (Unsweetened Chocolate): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Natural Flavors (Coffee, Vanilla): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Wafer (Wheat, Palm Oil, Soy Lecithin - An Emulsifier, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate - As A Raising Agent, Salt)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin - An Emulsifier): 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 Ghirardelli Chocolate, Gourmet Assorted 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, Caramel Powder (Whey, Butter, Maltodextrin, Sugar, Skim Milk, Natural Flavor).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oils (Palm, Coconut, Cotton, Ricebran, Safflower, Sunflower), Orange Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.