Hot Candy

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Sugar Alcohols (Sorbitol Syrup): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

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 Hot Candy'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: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Iodized Salt; Less Than 2% Of: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Lactate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.