Starbucks, Chocolate Bites, Peppermint Bites

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Starbucks, Chocolate Bites, Peppermint Bites scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Confectioner'S Glaze): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate 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 Starbucks, Chocolate Bites, Peppermint Bites' 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: White Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate [Processed With Alkali], Cocoa Butter, Butter Oil, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Sugar, Tapioca Syrup.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Color (Beet Juice Concentrate, Turmeric, Titanium Dioxide).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.