Assorted Chocolates

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Artificial Flavors (Vanillin (Artificial Flavor)}): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel, Soybean)): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate And Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Processed Fruit Products (Chocolate, Chocolate Processed With Alkali, Cocoa Powder): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Within Chocolate, this product is more processed than about 67% of the 9,618 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 Assorted Chocolates' 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: Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugar AlcoholsUPF marker

In this product: Sorbitol.

Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Hydroxide.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Milk Chocolate {Sugar, Sugar, Dark Chocolate {Sugar, Brown Sugar, and 6 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

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: Cherries [Cherries, Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Sugar, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate And Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives), Fd&C Red 40, Natural Flavor, Sulfur Dioxide (Preserves Color)], Mono And Diglycerides With Citric Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt, Salt}.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Mixed Tocopherols.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.