Assorted Candy

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (2% Or Less Of Corn Syrup, Laffy Taffy - Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Colors (Blue 1, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, +5 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Modified Fats (Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Other Additives (Carnauba Wax): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

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 Assorted Candy'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: Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Gobstopper - Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Sweetarts - Dextrose, Nerds - Dextrose, and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Malic Acid, Malic Acid (Dl-Malic Acid), 2% Or Less Of Malic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Stearate, 2% Or Less Of Calcium Stearate.

Common in powdered processed foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Carmine Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.