Assorted Chocolates

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Assorted Chocolates 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.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Sugar Alcohols (Sorbitol): Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.
• Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Other Additives (Sodium Hydroxide): 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 Assorted Chocolates' 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.

Concentrates and extracts indicate significant processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Milk Chocolate [Sugar, Whole Milk, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Vanillin (Artificial Flavor)], Dark Chocolate [Sugar, Chocolate Processed With Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Vanillin (Artificial Flavor)], Sugar, Brown Sugar, and 5 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil, Soybean 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 AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Mono And Diglycerides With Citric Acid, Cherries [Cherries, Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Sugar, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Fd&C Red 40, Sulfur Dioxide (Preserves Color)].

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Mixed Tocopherols.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color, Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, Blue 1 & 2), Carmine Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.