Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz

Ghirardelli Chocolate
Bioengineered
37 Poor

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Hu Nut Butter Filled Almond Butter + Crispy Quinoa Dark Chocolate Hu · 2.1 oz · 1 count 87 View on Amazon · $4.39 See all Chocolate, ranked

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 9
Owned by Lindt & Sprüngli
Category Chocolate
Summary

This chocolate product is heavily processed, containing multiple forms of sugar and corn syrup, which contribute to high sugar content and potential health risks like weight gain and insulin resistance. The presence of palm oil and soy lecithin adds to the processing concerns, while the use of natural flavors lacks transparency. Despite some beneficial ingredients like whole milk powder and cocoa butter, the overall processing level and ingredient quality result in a lower score. The label describes it as a candy squares bar.

Key ingredients 18

Sugar
Bad

Refined sugar is associated with increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. It is highly processed and lacks nutritional value. Excessive consumption can lead to dental issues and blood sugar spikes.

Risks

High intake can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

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Corn syrup
Bad

Refined sugar syrup.

Risks

May lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and liver issues when consumed in excess.

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Sweetened condensed milk
Bad

Sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar and calories, which can contribute to weight gain. It is a processed dairy product with added sugar. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sugar content may increase the risk of obesity and dental problems.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, but benefits are outweighed by high sugar content.

See more about Sweetened condensed milk →
Palm oil
Bad

Palm oil is high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels. It is often used in processed foods due to its stability. Environmental concerns are associated with its production.

Risks

High intake may increase the risk of heart disease and contribute to deforestation.

Benefits

Provides a stable fat source for cooking and food production.

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Natural and artificial flavor
Bad

Natural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste but lack nutritional value. They are highly processed and can include a variety of chemical compounds. Potential allergens or sensitivities may be present.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals.

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Disodium phosphate
Bad

Disodium phosphate is an additive used to stabilize and emulsify foods. It is a processed ingredient with no nutritional value. Overconsumption may affect kidney function.

Risks

May contribute to imbalances in phosphate levels, affecting kidney health.

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Soy lecithin
Bad

Soy lecithin is an emulsifier derived from soybeans, used to improve texture. It is a processed ingredient with potential allergen concerns. Provides no significant nutritional benefits.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to soy.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency in food products.

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Potassium sorbate
Bad

Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.

Risks

May cause skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Extends shelf life by preventing spoilage from mold and yeast.

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Tbhq
Bad

TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve freshness in processed foods. It is a highly processed chemical with potential health concerns. Long-term consumption may pose health risks.

Risks

May cause nausea, vomiting, and other adverse effects in high doses.

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Whole milk powder
Neutral

Whole milk powder provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein. It is a processed form of milk that retains most of its nutritional content. However, it lacks the freshness of liquid milk.

Risks

May cause lactose intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

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Water
Neutral

Water is a neutral ingredient used as a solvent or to adjust consistency. It is essential for hydration but does not contribute significant nutritional value in this context. Commonly used in food processing.

Benefits

Essential for hydration but provides no direct nutritional benefits in this product.

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Butter
Neutral

Butter is a dairy product rich in saturated fats and provides flavor and texture. It is minimally processed but high in calories. Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.

Risks

High intake of saturated fats may increase the risk of heart disease.

Benefits

Provides fat-soluble vitamins and enhances flavor in foods.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a common culinary ingredient but can contribute to high sodium intake. Moderation is key to avoid health issues.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in foods.

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Sorbitol
Neutral

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant. It is less caloric than sugar but can cause digestive issues in large amounts. Provides sweetness with a lower glycemic impact.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort or laxative effects.

Benefits

Offers sweetness with fewer calories and a lower glycemic index than sugar.

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Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is commonly used in food processing and is generally recognized as safe. Provides a tangy flavor without nutritional value.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in foods.

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Cocoa butter
Good

Cocoa butter is a natural fat extracted from cocoa beans, rich in healthy fats. It provides a smooth texture and is minimally processed. Contains antioxidants that may support skin health.

Benefits

Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, supporting heart and skin health.

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Unsweetened chocolate
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

May be high in calories and fat, contributing to weight gain if overconsumed.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants that may support heart health and reduce inflammation.

See more about Unsweetened chocolate →
Vanilla extract
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Enhances flavor with natural aromatic compounds.

See more about Vanilla extract →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price for Hu Nut Butter Filled Almond Butter + Crispy Quinoa Dark Chocolate as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz

Common questions

Is Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz healthy?

Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz scores 37/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. This chocolate product is heavily processed, containing multiple forms of sugar and corn syrup, which contribute to high sugar content and potential health risks like weight gain and insulin resistance.

How processed is Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz?

Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz compare to other chocolates?

Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz ranks #30 of 37 chocolates in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Hu Nut Butter Filled Almond Butter + Crispy Quinoa Dark Chocolate at 87/100.

Which ingredients drive Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Candy SQUARES Bar - 4.8oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cocoa butter, Unsweetened chocolate, Vanilla extract count in its favor; Sugar, Corn syrup, Sweetened condensed milk are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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