Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Energy Caffeinated Bar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Energy Caffeinated Bar 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.
• Plant Proteins (Soy Protein Nuggets (Isolated Soy Protein, Cocoa [Processed With Alkali], Tapioca Starch)): Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Isolate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Processed Fruit Products (Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Powder; Less Than 2% Of The Following: Green Tea Extract (Contains Caffeine)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerine): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

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 Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Energy Caffeinated Bar'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.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavor.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Yogurt Flavored Coating (Dried Cane Syrup, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Nonfat Milk, Nonfat Yogurt Powder [Cultured Nonfat Milk], Soy Lecithin [An Emulsifier], Modified Corn Starch, Lactic Acid, Vanilla Extract), Chocolate Drops (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [An Emulsifier], Vanilla), Marshmallows (Tapioca Syrup, Cane Sugar, Tapioca Starch, Water, Carrageenan, Soy Protein, Natural Flavor), Fructose Syrup, and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: High Oleic Safflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt. Vitamin And Mineral Blend (D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate [Vit. E], Folic Acid [Vit. B9], Niacinamide [Vit. B3], Calcium D-Pantothenate [Vit. B5], Thiamine Mononitrate [Vit. B1], Cyanocobalamin [Vit. B12], Riboflavin [Vit. B2], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vit. B6], Ascorbic Acid [Vit. C], Choline Bitartrate).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.