Milk Chocolate Candies

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (M&M'S Milk Chocolate Bits [ (Sugar, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Cocoa Butter, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Artificial Flavors), Sugar, Less Than 2% Coloring (Includes Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 5 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 2), Dextrin, Corn Syrup, Cornstarch], Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Salt Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate (To Retain Freshness)): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Cakes & Pastries, this product is more processed than about 16% of the 11,919 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 Milk Chocolate Candies' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Agar, Locust Bean Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Fudge Base (Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Soybean Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Palm Oil, Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Chocolate Liquor, Artificial Flavor), Sucrose, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Bleached Enriched Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate (Iron), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, Shortening.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Sulfate, Disodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.