Hershey's Commitment to Plant-Based Nutrition
For decades, Hershey's was synonymous with milk chocolate, making it a no-go for vegans and those with dairy allergies. However, in response to growing consumer demand for plant-based options, the company launched a dedicated vegan line in 2023. This initiative, part of a larger 'Better-For-You' effort, provides certified vegan alternatives to some of its most iconic treats. By using oat milk as a base, Hershey's has managed to recreate the creamy texture of milk chocolate in these new plant-based offerings, ensuring vegans no longer have to miss out on classic candy favorites.
Officially Plant-Based Hershey's Products
These products are specifically formulated to be dairy-free and are clearly labeled as 'Plant Based' on their packaging, often featuring a vegan logo for easy identification. They use oat flour to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without the need for dairy solids.
Hershey's Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection:
- Almond & Sea Salt Bar: This oat-based chocolate bar contains crunchy almonds and a sprinkle of sea salt, creating a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Miniatures: A smaller, individually wrapped version of the Almond & Sea Salt confection is also available.
Reese's Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection:
- Peanut Butter Cups: These vegan peanut butter cups feature an oat chocolate confection and the classic creamy peanut butter center.
- Miniatures: A bag of miniature, individually wrapped versions of the plant-based Reese's Cups.
Unexpected 'Accidentally Vegan' Items from Hershey
In addition to its official plant-based line, several other products owned by The Hershey Company are coincidentally vegan. These items do not contain dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, but it is always wise to double-check the label as recipes can change or differ by region.
- Jolly Ranchers: The hard candies and lollipops are vegan, but the chews contain gelatin and should be avoided.
- Twizzlers: Most varieties of Twizzlers licorice are vegan, including the popular strawberry flavor.
- Hershey's Syrups: Both the classic chocolate and strawberry syrups are vegan-friendly, making them great for topping vegan ice cream or milkshakes.
- Cherry Nibs: These Twizzlers cousins, also made by Hershey, are a vegan treat.
The Critical Importance of Reading Labels
Even with new plant-based options, it is vital for vegans to read the labels carefully. Not all products that seem dairy-free actually are. A prime example is Reese's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, which, despite the dark chocolate label, are not vegan and contain dairy ingredients. The new plant-based products have clear labeling, but this vigilance is crucial when selecting other items to avoid cross-contamination or hidden ingredients.
Vegan vs. Standard Hershey's Chocolate Ingredients
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of a standard Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar versus the plant-based version:
| Feature | Standard Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar | Hershey's Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Yes, contains milk chocolate and milk fat. | No, uses oat flour as a dairy substitute. | Primary ingredient difference. |
| Vegan Status | Not vegan. | Certified vegan. | Dietary suitability. |
| Key Ingredients | Sugar, milk, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, lactose, soy lecithin, natural flavor. | Sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, almonds, oat flour, rice flour, soy lecithin, sea salt, natural flavor. | Oat milk replaces dairy products. |
| Flavor Profile | Traditional sweet, milky chocolate. | Creamy, rich chocolate with notes of oat, almonds, and sea salt. | Distinct taste from different base. |
| Allergens | Milk, Soy. | Almonds, Soy. | Different allergens present. |
Conclusion
For those on a vegan diet, The Hershey Company now offers official plant-based alternatives to its classic bars and Reese's cups, relying on oat milk to achieve a creamy texture without dairy. Alongside these new releases, some traditional Hershey-owned candies and syrups remain accidentally vegan. However, the presence of standard, non-vegan versions and potentially non-vegan-friendly dark chocolate varieties makes careful label-reading an absolute necessity. Always seek out products with the explicit 'Plant Based' or vegan certification to ensure your choice aligns with your dietary needs. The availability of these new options reflects a positive step in mainstream snack companies adapting to evolving nutritional demands.
For further information on Hershey's plant-based offerings, visit the official Hersheyland website: HERSHEY'S & REESE'S Plant-Based Confections.
