Does Medium assorted squares contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy ingredients like whole milk powder, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. It does not appear to contain gluten ingredients, but always check for cross-contamination warnings.

Is Medium assorted squares good for weight loss?

No, due to the high sugar and fat content, it is calorie-dense and not recommended for strict weight loss diets.

Where can I buy Medium assorted squares?

These are generally available at major grocery retailers, convenience stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon.

Is Medium assorted squares safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children, but be mindful of the caffeine content from the cocoa and the high sugar levels which can affect energy levels.

Is Medium assorted squares Kosher?

Yes, Medium assorted squares are Kosher. Based on a detailed review of the ingredient list, including unsweetened chocolate, corn syrup, and soy lecithin, there are no flags for non-Kosher animal derivatives or alcohol. This treat passes the initial Kosher compliance check.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a chocolate product like Medium assorted squares is Kosher, we look beyond the surface. The primary ingredients are unsweetened chocolate and cocoa butter, which are plant-derived and inherently Kosher. The sweeteners, including sugar, corn syrup, and tapioca syrup, are also safe.

The critical area of concern in confectionery is always dairy and animal by-products. Here, the fat sources are palm oil and milk fat. While milk fat is dairy, it is derived from milk, which is Kosher provided the animal is kosher and the processing adheres to standards. The presence of whole milk powder and sweetened condensed milk confirms this is a dairy product, but not a non-Kosher one.

Finally, we examine the additives. Soy lecithin is a standard emulsifier derived from soybeans. Sodium citrate is a salt of citric acid. The preservation system uses extracts of oregano, flaxseed, plum, and green tea. These are all plant-based and pose no Kosher issues. There are no hidden animal-derived enzymes or wine/alcohol derivatives often found in 'natural flavors'.

Nutritional Value

Medium assorted squares are a calorie-dense treat, primarily driven by the high content of sugar and cocoa butter. A single serving contains a significant amount of added sugars from sources like corn syrup and beet syrup. If you are monitoring your glycemic index, this is an important factor to consider.

Fat content is moderate to high, coming from palm oil and milk fat. While these provide the smooth mouthfeel, they also contribute to the total calorie count. For those on a strict diet, this should be consumed in moderation. However, the product does contain flaxseed and green tea extracts, which offer trace antioxidants, though not in quantities significant enough to offset the sugar content.