Dark Chocolate

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Dark Chocolate 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.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Chocolate, this product is more processed than about 67% of the 9,618 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 Dark Chocolate'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: Pure Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor Processed With Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Butter Oil, Soy Lecithin (An Emulsifier), Vanilla), Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Sea Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin D3.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.