Hot Cocoa Mix with Mini Marshmallows, Hot Cocoa

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids. Contains 2% Or Less Of Each Of The Following: Coconut Oil): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Mono And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Drink Mixes, this product is more processed than about 51% of the 4,985 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 Cocoa Mix with Mini Marshmallows, Hot Cocoa'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, Marshmallows (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Food Starch, Gelatin, Artificial Flavor).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Tricalcium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Anti-Caking Agent (Silicon Dioxide).

Common in powdered processed foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Extract.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.