Cadbury Gems — DUMP

Name: Cadbury Gems
Brand: Cadbury

Munch or Dump rates Cadbury Gems by Cadbury DUMP — score 20/90.

Sugar and hydrogenated oil are the backbone of these candy shells, tinted with eight artificial colors and only 8% cocoa. This is engineered candy dressed up as chocolate.

Why this verdict

Hydrogenated oils are the #2 ingredient, a source of artery-clogging trans fat
Sugar is the #1 ingredient with liquid glucose added on top
Eight artificial colors (tartrazine, sunset yellow, ponceau) tint the shells
Only 8% cocoa, plus refined maida and three emulsifiers
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) candy built for craving, not nutrition

Ingredients (10)

Sugar (concerning) — Added sugar, third by weight, feeds yeast and adds sweetness with no nutritional benefit.
Hydrogenated Oils (harmful) — Industrial trans fat that raises LDL and lowers HDL cholesterol. There is no safe level.
Milk Solids (safe) — Reconstituted dairy solids; adds some protein and calcium.
Cocoa Solids (8%) (safe) — Real cocoa, but at only 8% it is a minor player, not the star.
Refined Wheat Flour (Maida) (concerning) — Refined flour stripped of fiber and nutrients; the dominant ingredient at 78.4%, spikes blood sugar fast.
Emulsifiers (414, 442, 476) (moderate) — Three stacked emulsifiers to hold the coating together; a marker of heavy processing.
Colours (171, 102, 133, 124, 127, 122, 132, 110) (concerning) — Eight synthetic dyes including tartrazine (102) and sunset yellow (110), linked to hyperactivity concerns in kids and banned or warning-labeled in some countries.
Glazing Agent (903) (moderate) — Carnauba wax for the shiny shell; cosmetic, not nutritional.
Liquid glucose (moderate) — A second refined sweetener stacked on top of sugar to boost sweetness cheaply.
Flavours (Natural, Nature Identical and Artificial) (moderate) — Includes artificial caramel and vanilla flavouring substances to mimic chocolate taste.