Red Licorice Bites, Red

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch (Corn)): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Flavors (Natural & Artificial Flavor): Synthetic flavors indicate industrial food production.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.

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 Red Licorice Bites, Red'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, Glycerine, Soy Mono- & Diglycerides.

Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Citrate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.