Meijer, Hot Cocoa Mix, Original

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in 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 Meijer, Hot Cocoa Mix, Original'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.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Coconut, Palm And/Or Sunflower).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate, Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Silicon Dioxide.

Common in powdered processed foods.