Assorted Chocolates Sampler, Assorted

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Artificial Flavors (Vanillin (Artificial Flavor)}): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate And Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Processed Fruit Products (Chocolate, Chocolate Processed With Alkali, Cocoa Powder): Concentrates and extracts indicate significant 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 Sampler, Assorted'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.

EmulsifiersUPF marker

In this product: Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Natural FlavorsUPF marker

In this product: Natural Flavor.

Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Sugar AlcoholsUPF marker

In this product: Almonds Sorbitol.

Modified sweeteners common in diet UPF products.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Sodium Hydroxide.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Milk Chocolate {Sugar, Dark Chocolate {Sugar, 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.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Mono And Diglycerides With Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

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

Natural sources but still indicate processing.