Parade, Hot Cocoa Mix with Mini Marshmallows

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Parade, Hot Cocoa Mix with Mini Marshmallows 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.
• Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Emulsifier (Mono- And Diglycerides)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

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 Parade, Hot Cocoa Mix with Mini Marshmallows' 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, Marshmallows (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Corn Starch, Gelatin, Artificial Flavor).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.