Stephen's, Gourmet Hot Cocoa, Pumpkin

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Stephen's, Gourmet Hot Cocoa, Pumpkin scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 6, Yellow 5): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Emulsifiers (Mono And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Drink Mixes, this product is more processed than about 51% of the 4,985 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 Stephen's, Gourmet Hot Cocoa, Pumpkin'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.

Processed Fruit ProductsUPF marker

In this product: Cocoa Processed With Alkali.

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Coconut Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Dipotassium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.