Ghirardelli Chocolate Dark & sea salt caramel chocolate squares

Why this score

• Capped: contains Corn Syrupadded-sugar load
• Capped: contains Natural and Artificial Flavorsynthetic flavoring — undisclosed composition
• Capped: contains TBHQEWG: avoid
• Ultra-processed + additivesNOVA group 4 (ultra-processed) combined with a flagged additive — capped at 6.
• High in sugar, saturated fat, saltFSA traffic lights per 100g: high sugar 50 g (−1.5); high saturated fat 14 g (−1.5); high salt 1.7 g (−0.6) (total −3.0).

Ingredients (20)

• 3SugarRefined sweetener; high glycemic index, offers no micronutrients.
• 8Unsweetened chocolateMinimally processed cocoa; contains beneficial polyphenols.
• 2Corn syrupHighly processed sweetener with minimal nutritional value.
• 5Sweetened Condensed MilkProcessed dairy product high in sugar; nutritional value unclear
• 8Pasteurized milkWhole food dairy ingredient; standard processing for safety.
• 8Cocoa butterNatural fat from cocoa; high in saturated fat but unrefined.
• 4Palm OilSaturated fat from palm; high in saturated fat, environmental concerns.
• 10WaterPure solvent; essential ingredient in aqueous formulations.
• 8Milk fatSaturated fat; contributes to texture and flavor.
• 6ButterNatural dairy fat; nutrient-dense but high saturated fat.
• 6CreamMinimally processed dairy ingredient; natural source of fat.
• 6SaltEssential mineral; naturally occurring preservative and flavor.
• 4Natural and Artificial FlavorMix of natural and synthetic flavoring compounds; exact composition proprietary and unclear.
• 6Soy lecithinNatural emulsifier derived from soy; minimally processed, generally safe
• 4Disodium phosphateFood additive; safe in regulated amounts but minimal nutritional value
• 6SorbitolSugar alcohol; artificial sweetener; may cause digestive discomfort in excess.
• 6Potassium SorbatePreservative; generally recognized safe; prevents mold and bacteria.
• 7Citric acidOrganic acid preservative; naturally derived, recognized as safe.
• 2TBHQTertiary butylhydroquinone; controversial preservative
• 8VanillaNatural flavoring from vanilla bean pods, minimal processing, no additives

Allergens

Contains: soy, milk

From the product label and its ingredient list, and not part of the score. Anything not listed here simply wasn't declared - that is not the same as being free from it. Always check the packaging.