What are some ingredients commonly found in candy bars?

Candy bars typically contain preservatives, sugar, artificial flavors, artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup. Some candy bars contain chocolate, nuts, cocoa butter, soy and milk or milk fat. Candy makers often use high fructose corn syrup because it is sweeter and less expensive than sugar.

Some candy makers use the preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene to keep fats fresh, preventing an old or stale taste. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that some manufacturers use instead of BHA and BHT. Sodium benzoate prevents mold and extends shelf life. Lecithin, which can be made from soy, is an emulsifier that keeps ingredients from separating.