Minis Caramel Polar Bars

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Minis Caramel Polar Bars 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.
• Modified Fats (Vegetable Oil Shortening [Contains One Or More Of The Following: Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (Palm Kernel, Soybean, Coconut Oils), Soybean, Palm, Palm Kernel And Canola Oils]): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Whey Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Other Additives (Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Monostearate), Leavenings (Cornstarch, Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate And/Or Sulfate, Sodium And/Or Calcium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Bicarbonate), Gums (Carrageenan, Xanthan), +2 more): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Cookies & Crackers, this product is more processed than about 51% of the 18,630 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 Minis Caramel Polar Bars' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Glycerin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Plant ProteinsUPF marker

In this product: Soy Protein.

Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Brown Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Colors (Caramel, Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.