Peppermint Mocha Layered Lean Bar, Peppermint Mocha

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Peppermint Mocha Layered Lean Bar, Peppermint Mocha scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Processed Meats (Bovine Collagen Hydrolysate): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Red Flavored Pieces (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Degermed Corn Grits [Heat Treated], Corn Starch, Palm Oil, Fd&C Red 40, Caramel Color)And Less Than 2%: Acetylated Monoglycerides, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Isolate, +1 more): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

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 Peppermint Mocha Layered Lean Bar, Peppermint Mocha'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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Vegetable Glycerin, Mono & Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugar AlcoholsUPF marker

In this product: Sorbitol, Maltitol.

Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.

Processed Fruit ProductsUPF marker

In this product: Cocoa [Processed With Alkali].

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavors.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Propylene Glycol Mono Esters.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Oil, Peppermint Oil, Soybean Oil, and 1 more.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Maltodextrin, Red Confectionery Coating (Sugar, Vegetable Oil [Palm Kernel Oil And Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil], Whole Milk Solids, Whey Powder, Nonfat Dry Milk Solids, Fd&C Red Lake #40, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Artificial Flavor).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.