Dark Chocolate

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Fruit Products (Juice Concentrate Blend (Pear, Blueberry)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Confectioner'S Glaze, Carnauba Wax): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerine): 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'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: Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [An Emulsifier], Vanilla Extract), Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Malic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Citrate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sunflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.