Stars Cookies

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Dextrin): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Processed Fruit Products (Cocoa (Processed With Alkali)): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Carnauba Wax): 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 Stars Cookies' 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: Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate [Processed With Alkali], Cocoa Butter, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin [An Emulsifier], Vanilla), Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Titanium Dioxide.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.