Are dark chocolate Hershey Kisses healthy? A detailed look at the nutritional facts

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While high-quality dark chocolate is lauded for its antioxidants and heart-health benefits, many consumers wonder about the popular, mass-produced candy: are dark chocolate Hershey Kisses healthy? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, involving an understanding of cocoa content, processing methods, and added sugars.

Quick Summary

Hershey's Special Dark Kisses are not a health food despite their dark chocolate label. With higher sugar content and fewer beneficial flavanols due to the Dutching process, they are best enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Hershey's Special Dark Kisses are high in sugar, a primary ingredient, undermining any potential health benefits from the cocoa.
Low Flavanol Levels: Unlike high-cocoa dark chocolate, Hershey's Kisses are 'Dutched' (processed with alkali), which significantly reduces the concentration of beneficial antioxidant flavanols.
Not a Health Food: Despite containing dark chocolate, these kisses should not be mistaken for a health food and are best considered an occasional, low-nutrient indulgence.
Moderation is Key: Due to the high calorie and sugar count, controlling portion sizes is crucial to prevent excessive intake and fit them into a balanced diet.
Heavy Metal Concerns: Reports indicate that some Hershey's dark chocolate products may contain trace levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium, adding a layer of concern for chronic consumption.
Choose Higher Quality Chocolate: For genuine antioxidant benefits, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content, which has lower sugar and higher flavanol levels.

Decoding the 'Dark Chocolate' Label

Many consumers associate 'dark chocolate' with health benefits, but it is important to distinguish between high-cocoa, minimally processed varieties and candy products like Hershey's Special Dark Kisses. The key lies in the cacao percentage and how the cocoa is processed. True dark chocolate, with a cocoa content of 70% or higher, contains a rich concentration of antioxidants called flavanols. These powerful plant compounds are linked to reduced inflammation, improved blood flow, and lower blood pressure.

Hershey's Special Dark, however, is a different product. The company's "mildly sweet" flavor is achieved through a process called Dutching, or processing with alkali. While this makes the chocolate less bitter and creates a smoother, darker product, it also significantly reduces the flavanol content, stripping away many of the health benefits associated with purer dark chocolate. Combined with a lower cocoa percentage, this makes Hershey's Special Dark nutritionally closer to milk chocolate than a truly healthful dark chocolate.

Nutritional Facts: A Closer Look at Hershey's Kisses

According to Hershey's, a serving of 9 pieces (41g) of Special Dark Kisses contains approximately 190 calories and 21 grams of sugar. A look at the ingredients list reveals that sugar is the primary component. This high sugar and calorie content is a critical factor when evaluating its place in a healthy diet. The World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake, and even further to 5% for additional benefits, primarily to avoid dental caries and unhealthy weight gain. One serving of these kisses can represent a significant portion of a person's recommended daily sugar intake, highlighting the importance of moderation.

The Heavy Metal Concern

Recent reports have also raised concerns about potential heavy metal content in some dark chocolate products, including Hershey's. Testing by Consumer Reports revealed that some dark chocolate bars, including Hershey's Special Dark, contained trace amounts of lead and cadmium. While the levels are generally not immediately toxic in small amounts, chronic exposure can pose health risks, particularly to children. This issue further complicates the perception of certain dark chocolates as a health-promoting food, making it prudent to choose high-quality brands and consume all chocolate sparingly.

High-Quality Dark Chocolate vs. Hershey's Special Dark

Here is a comparison highlighting the nutritional differences between a typical high-quality dark chocolate bar and Hershey's Special Dark Kisses, illustrating why the former offers more potential health benefits.


Feature	High-Quality Dark Chocolate (e.g., 70-85% cocoa)	Hershey's Special Dark Kisses (9 pieces)
Cocoa Content	High (70-85% or more)	Approximately 45-49%
Antioxidants	Very high in flavanols	Low due to Dutching process
Sugar Content	Moderate to low	High (approx. 21g per 9 pieces)
Fiber	Higher content	Lower (1g per 9 pieces)
Minerals (e.g., Iron, Magnesium)	High levels	Lower levels
Saturated Fat	Present, can be higher due to cocoa butter	Present (8g per 9 pieces)
Health Status	Considered a healthier indulgence in moderation	A processed candy with minimal health benefits

Prioritizing Moderation and Overall Diet

Ultimately, the key to incorporating sweets into a healthy nutrition plan is moderation. Whether you are enjoying a high-quality dark chocolate square or a handful of Hershey's Kisses, they are calorie-dense foods that should not be a primary source of nutrients. Instead of focusing on getting health benefits from a candy, it is better to view it as an occasional treat to be savored. For those with a sweet tooth, integrating a square of 70%+ dark chocolate a few times a week is a mindful way to enjoy the flavor while potentially reaping some rewards. However, even this must be balanced with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Relying on candy for health benefits is a misstep that can lead to excessive calorie and sugar intake.

Conclusion

To the question, "are dark chocolate Hershey Kisses healthy?", the answer is definitively no. While they contain cocoa, the processing and high sugar content mean they offer minimal nutritional value and should not be considered a health food. Unlike high-quality dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage, Hershey's Special Dark has had most of its beneficial flavanols removed. Combined with a significant amount of added sugar, it's best to regard them as an indulgent treat rather than a nutritious snack. As with all sweets, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but only in moderation to manage sugar and calorie intake effectively. Making mindful choices and understanding the true nutritional value of your foods is essential for a healthy lifestyle. A useful guide to the general benefits of dark chocolate can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Hershey's Special Dark has less sugar than its milk chocolate counterpart, it is still a candy with high sugar content. A higher-cocoa, less-processed dark chocolate is a better choice for potential health benefits.

Hershey's Special Dark Kisses have a significantly lower cacao content and fewer flavanol antioxidants than high-cacao dark chocolate (70%+). The Dutching process used by Hershey's further strips away flavanols, making them less nutritionally beneficial.

Yes, they can be part of a diet if consumed in moderation. As with any calorie-dense treat, portion control is key. They should be considered an occasional indulgence, not a regular snack, to avoid consuming excess calories and sugar.

A standard serving is 9 pieces (41g), which contains 190 calories and 21g of sugar. However, for most health-conscious individuals, even a smaller portion might be more suitable.

High-quality dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao solids (70% or more) contains beneficial compounds like flavanols and minerals. These are linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation. However, this does not apply to all dark chocolate products, especially heavily processed candies.

Flavanols are a type of antioxidant found in cocoa that can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and protect cells from damage by free radicals. The amount of flavanols in chocolate depends on the cocoa content and processing methods.

Consumer Reports testing has found detectable levels of heavy metals, like lead and cadmium, in some dark chocolate products from Hershey's. While the health risk depends on individual factors and the amount consumed, it is a factor to consider, particularly with frequent consumption.