Peanut Butter Cups

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Peanut Butter Cups scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Fats (Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, +2 more): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate 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 Peanut Butter Cups' 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, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Nonfat Milk, Milkfat, Lactose, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor), Sugar, Peanut Toffee Pieces (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Palm Oil, Peanut Butter [Peanuts, Salt, Hydrogenated Rapeseed And Cottonseed Oils], Peanuts, Butter [Cream, Salt], Salt, Paprika Extract Color, Soy Lecithin).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil, Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Tbhq And Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.