Halloween Mini Granola Bars

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Halloween Mini Granola Bars scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup Solids, Dextrin): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Bht): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

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 Halloween Mini Granola Bars' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Confectioner'S Glaze, Carnauba Wax.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Granola (Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Brown Sugar, Brown Rice Crisp [Whole Grain Brown Rice Flour, Sugar, Salt], Whole Grain Rolled Wheat, Soybean Oil, Dried Coconut, Whole Wheat Flour, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soy Lecithin, Nonfat Dry Milk), Brown Rice Crisp (Whole Grain Brown Rice Flour, Sugar, Salt), Sugar, Polydextrose, and 3 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Chocolate Flavored Cookie Pieces (Whole Wheat Flour, Sugar, Palm Oil, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Salt, Dextrose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soy Lecithin).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Glycerin. Contains 2% Or Less Of: Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel And Palm Oil), Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color, Annatto.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.