Cadbury Dairy Milk Milk Chocolate Bar
A classic sugar-forward milk chocolate with a short, mostly familiar ingredient list, but high in sugar and saturated fat and best kept as an occasional treat.
Ingredients (8)
Milk
Milk is a natural source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins. It is a common allergen but otherwise nutritionally beneficial.
Sugar
Sugar is the first or second ingredient and makes up over half of the bar by weight. High intake is linked to dental decay, weight gain, and metabolic issues.
Cocoa Butter
A natural fat from the cocoa bean that is high in saturated fat, though its main saturated fat (stearic acid) has a relatively neutral effect on cholesterol. Fine in moderation.
Cocoa Mass
Source of flavanols, antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium and iron. Milk chocolate has a lower cocoa content (~20-25%) than dark chocolate, so benefits are limited.
Vegetable Fats (Palm, Shea)
ControversialThese are cheaper fats used in place of some cocoa butter. Palm fat is high in saturates and raises environmental and sustainability concerns (deforestation), though Cadbury sources through certified schemes.
Emulsifiers (E442)
E442 ControversialA synthetic emulsifier made from rapeseed or other oils that improves flow and texture. Approved by EFSA and considered safe at normal levels, though emerging research on emulsifiers and gut health keeps it a topic of interest.
Emulsifier (E476)
E476 ControversialDerived from castor beans and used to reduce the amount of cocoa butter needed. Regarded as safe by regulators, but it is a processing aid that replaces a more expensive natural ingredient.
Flavourings
Flavourings are not specified on the label, so the exact compounds are unclear. Generally considered safe, but the lack of transparency lowers the rating slightly.
Healthier alternatives
Higher in cocoa flavanols, fiber, and minerals, with significantly less sugar than milk chocolate
Find on AmazonShorter ingredient list with just cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and sugar
Find on AmazonCuts sugar content substantially while keeping a familiar chocolate taste
Find on AmazonCadbury Dairy Milk launched in 1905 to compete with Swiss milk chocolate, and it was the first Cadbury product to use a higher proportion of milk, which gave it its famously creamy taste. It became the company's best-selling product within a decade.