Squares Chocolate

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

In our analysis, Squares Chocolate scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Artificial Flavors (Vanillin - Artificial Flavor): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Processed Fruit Products (Unsweetened Chocolate, Of: Cocoa - Processed With Alkali): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Natural Flavors (Coffee Powder, Vanilla): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin - An Emulsifier): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Chocolate, this product is more processed than about 33% 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 Squares Chocolate'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Bicarbonate.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid And Tbhq - As Preservatives.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.