Dark Assortment Chocolates, Dark

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor Processed With Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin [An Emulsifier], Vanillin [An Artificial Flavor], Natural Flavors). Corn Syrup, Dextrose And Salt. May Contain One Or All Of The Following Fruit Creams (Raspberry, Strawberry, Orange Purees). High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Artificial Colors (U.S. Certified Natural And Artificial Flavors And Colors, Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate (Milk)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

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 Dark Assortment Chocolates, Dark'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.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Pure Vanilla Extract.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Propylene Glycol.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Citrus Pectin, Xanthan Gum.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Invert Sugar, Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Vanilla. May Contain One Or All Of The Following Nut Meats (Cashews, Almonds, Pecans, English Walnuts). Gold Foil Wrapped Square Piece Contains Hazelnut Filling (100% Roasted Hazelnuts). Pretzels (Wheat Flour, Corn Syrup, Corn Oil, Yeast, Soda). Peanut Butter (Dry Roasted Peanuts, Hydrogenated Cottonseed And Rapeseed Oil, Salt).

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil, Coconut Oil, Peanut Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.