Hershey's Dairy-Free and Vegan Chocolate Options
Responding to the increasing demand for plant-based foods, The Hershey Company has introduced new dairy-free options. These products differ from their classic offerings which use fresh milk for their creamy texture. Hershey's now offers specific dairy-free products.
HERSHEY'S Plant Based Chocolate Confections
Hershey's 'Plant Based' range uses oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free chocolate.
- HERSHEY'S Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almond & Sea Salt: This bar includes almonds and sea salt and is certified vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified.
- HERSHEY'S Plant Based Miniatures: A miniature version of the Extra Creamy almond and sea salt oat chocolate.
REESE'S Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups
Hershey's also offers a plant-based version of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, which is vegan certified.
How to Verify Dairy-Free Status
Given that most traditional Hershey's items contain milk, confirming the dairy-free status is important.
- Check for 'Plant Based' or 'Vegan' Labels: Look for these claims for reliable dairy-free options.
- Review Ingredient Lists: Always check the full list for ingredients like milk, whey, or lactose.
- Scan Allergen Statements: Look for 'Contains: Milk' statements and warnings about shared equipment.
Comparison of Hershey's Chocolate Products
The table below highlights the difference in dairy content between various Hershey's products.
| Product | Main Ingredients | Contains Dairy? | Vegan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HERSHEY'S Plant Based with Almond & Sea Salt | Sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, oat flour, rice flour, almonds, sea salt, soy lecithin | No | Yes | Uses oat milk; labeled as plant-based. |
| Traditional HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Bar | Sugar, milk, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, soy lecithin, PGPR | Yes | No | Contains fresh milk. |
| HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Bar | Sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, cocoa processed with alkali, lactose (milk), soy lecithin, PGPR | Yes | No | Contains milk fat and lactose. |
| HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | Semi-sweet chocolate (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, milk ingredients, soy lecithin, natural flavor) | Yes | No | Contains milk ingredients. |
| REESE'S Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups | Sugar, peanuts, cocoa butter, chocolate, oat flour, rice flour, sea salt, soy lecithin | No | Yes | Uses oat chocolate. |
Dairy-Free Hershey's Cocoa Powder
Hershey's 100% cacao baking cocoa is generally made without dairy ingredients. However, cross-contamination is a potential concern due to shared manufacturing equipment.
Conclusion: A Growing Number of Options
Hershey's now offers 'Plant Based' options using oat milk, providing dairy-free alternatives. However, most traditional Hershey's products contain milk. Always check labels carefully.
A Guide to Buying Hershey's Dairy-Free
- Verify Labeling: Look for 'Plant Based' or 'Vegan' labels.
- Read the Ingredients: Check for milk-derived components.
- Consider Cross-Contamination: Be aware of risks with cocoa powder.
- Trust the 'Oat' Base: Plant-based options use oat flour.
- Avoid Dark Chocolate Assumptions: Dark chocolate products may still contain milk fat.
Finding Reliable Dairy-Free Alternatives
Staying informed is key. The official Hersheyland website is a good source for current product details. For baking, brands like Enjoy Life and Endangered Species offer certified allergen-friendly options.
Where to Buy Hershey's Dairy-Free Products
Hershey's plant-based products are available at various major retailers like Walmart and Rite Aid, as well as online retailers like Amazon. The Hersheyland store locator can also help.
Conclusion
Hershey's does offer dairy-free chocolate through its 'Plant Based' and 'Oat Made' lines, which use oat milk. These options are clearly labeled for consumers. However, traditional products contain milk. Checking labels and ingredient lists is essential.
