Target Corporation, Dark Marshmallow Pop, Peppermint

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Target Corporation, Dark Marshmallow Pop, Peppermint scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Marshmallow: Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch (Corn)): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Processed Meats (Gelatin): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
• Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Red 3, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.

Within Candy, this product is more processed than about 32% of the 21,778 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 Target Corporation, Dark Marshmallow Pop, Peppermint'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 Powder Processed With Alkali.

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate. Dark Chocolate Compound: Sugar, Salt. Peppermint Crush: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Natural Peppermint Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.