Why is Peanut butter cups classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product mixes refined ingredients such as added sugar, palm kernel oil, palm oil and soy lecithin, which are typical of ultra‑processed foods; the only listed additive is soy lecithin (E322), used as an emulsifier.

How does the sugar and salt content in Peanut butter cups affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 44 g of added sugars per 100 g, the cups can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for strict diabetic control, and the 0.74 g of salt per 100 g exceeds average snack levels, which may raise blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.

Is the peanuts in Peanut butter cups a concern for people with peanut allergy?

Yes, the product lists peanuts as a direct ingredient and highlights them as an allergen, so anyone with a peanut allergy should avoid consuming these cups.

Trader Joe's • 99 g

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Peanut butter cups are a sweet snack confectionery made of semisweet chocolate and peanut butter. Nutritionally they belong to the sugary snacks group, carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), providing about 558 kcal per 100 g with high fat (35 g), saturated fat (20.6 g), salt (0.74 g) and added sugars (44.1 g, slightly below the average sweet‑snack sugar level). They also deliver 8.8 g protein and 2.9 g fiber per 100 g, contain milk, peanuts and soy allergens, and include the additive soy lecithin (E322).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal559 kcal

Added Sugars41.2 g

Iron2.6 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared to the average snack, this product has substantially higher fat (35.3 g vs 10.5 g), saturated fat (20.6 g vs 7.0 g), and salt (0.74 g vs 0.36 g), while its sugar (44.1 g) is slightly lower than the typical 53.4 g.

Ingredients

semisweet 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

16 oz