Holiday Peppermint Party Candy Bark Squares, Peppermint

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Holiday Peppermint Party Candy Bark Squares, Peppermint scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, +2 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Dextrin): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Gum Arabic): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Other Additives (Shellac, Carnauba Wax): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Candy, this product is more processed than about 32% of the 21,778 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 Holiday Peppermint Party Candy Bark Squares, Peppermint'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: Wafer Melts: Sugar, Artificial Flavor. Crushed Peppermint: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Red 40. Sprinkles: Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Titanium Dioxide, Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Magnesium Stearate.

Common in powdered processed foods.