M&m's, Chocolate Candies, Pretzel

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, M&m's, Chocolate Candies, Pretzel scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Dextrin, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Blue 2, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Gum Acacia): 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 M&m's, Chocolate Candies, Pretzel'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: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Cocoa Butter, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Artificial Flavors), Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Pretzel [Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Food Starch-Modified, Salt, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil And/Or Soybean Oil), Corn Syrup, Malt Extract, Leavening (Contains Yeast, Sodium Bicarbonate And/Or Ammonium Bicarbonate)].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.