Why is Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is considered ultra‑processed because its formulation relies on refined ingredients such as sugar, palm kernel oil, palm oil and soy lecithin, and it includes additives like E322 (soy lecithin) and its emulsifier variant. These industrial components, along with the use of processed chocolate liquor and flavorings, place it in the NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and saturated‑fat content in Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups affect a diabetic or heart‑healthy diet?

With 40 g of sugar per 100 g, the cups can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for tight diabetic control. The 20 g of saturated fat contributes to elevated LDL cholesterol, which may increase cardiovascular risk for those following a heart‑healthy diet.

Is this product safe for people with peanut, milk or soy allergies?

No, the confection contains peanut butter (peanuts), milkfat and soy lecithin, all of which are major allergens. Individuals allergic to any of these ingredients should avoid the product.

Trader Joe's • 16 oz

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a confectionery classified in the sugary snacks and sweets groups and sold in a 16 oz PET tub. They provide 8 g of fiber and 8 g of protein per 100 g, which exceeds the average snack profile. The product is ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), has a Nutri‑Score of E, and contains high amounts of sugar (40 g), saturated fat (20 g) and calories (560 kcal) per 100 g, as well as milk, peanuts and soy allergens.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal560 kcal

Added Sugars44 g

Iron4 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical snack averages, this cup contains far more fat (36 g vs 10.5 g), saturated fat (20 g vs 7 g) and energy (560 kcal vs 373 kcal), while its sugar (40 g vs 53 g), carbohydrate (52 g vs 70 g) and salt (0.3 g vs 0.36 g) are slightly lower, and it offers higher fiber (8 g vs 2.3 g) and protein (8 g vs 2.9 g).

Ingredients

SEMI SWEET CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, CHOCOLATE LIQUOR, COCOA BUTTER), CHOCOLATE LIQUOR PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, MILKFAT, SOY LECITHIN [EMULSIFIER], NATURAL FLAVOR), PEANUT BUTTER (PEANUTS), SUGAR, PALM KERNEL OIL, LACTOSE, SALT, PALM OIL, SOY LECITHIN (EMULSIFIER)

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Trader Joe's

99 g