Hershey's Plant-Based Chocolate Products (2025)
In recent years, The Hershey Company has made a concerted effort to cater to the growing plant-based market. This has resulted in the introduction of several key vegan-friendly products. Hershey's uses oat milk as a base for many of these dairy-free creations, offering vegans and those with dairy intolerances new options for enjoying classic flavors.
Current Hershey's Vegan-Friendly Products
- Hershey's Plant Based Oat Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt: This bar uses oat flour instead of dairy milk to achieve a creamy texture, with the added crunch of almonds and a salty finish.
- Reese's Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection & Peanut Butter Cups: A dairy-free version of the iconic Reese's, these peanut butter cups feature an oat-based chocolate confection surrounding the classic peanut butter filling.
- Hershey's Chocolate Syrup: While the chocolate bars are a newer innovation, several varieties of Hershey's syrups, including the classic chocolate syrup, are considered vegan-friendly and contain no animal products.
- Hershey's Natural Cocoa Powder: This unsweetened cocoa powder is a staple for many vegan bakers and is free from animal-derived ingredients.
Products to Avoid for Vegans
Despite the new plant-based offerings, the majority of Hershey's traditional and seasonal products still contain dairy. Here is a list of common Hershey's products that are not vegan:
- Standard Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar: The classic flagship product contains milk and is not vegan.
- Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar: Despite being dark chocolate, this bar contains milk ingredients, making it unsuitable for vegans.
- Hershey's Kisses (all flavors): All varieties of Hershey's Kisses contain milk ingredients.
- Kit Kat (standard version): The popular Kit Kat bar, which Hershey produces in the US, contains milk.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (standard version): The traditional peanut butter cups contain milk chocolate and are not vegan.
Vegan Hershey's vs. Traditional Hershey's: A Comparison
| Feature | Hershey's Plant Based Oat (Vegan) | Traditional Hershey's Milk Chocolate |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Content | Dairy-free; made with oat flour | Contains milk and milk fat |
| Availability | Primarily found in select retailers and online; availability can vary | Widely available in almost all grocery stores and convenience stores |
| Texture | Generally described as creamy, but some reviews note a slight texture difference due to the oat base | Known for its signature, classic milk chocolate texture |
| Flavor Profile | Oat-based chocolate with unique nutty notes; flavors like Almond & Sea Salt or Plain | Classic, sweet milk chocolate flavor that is widely recognized |
| Allergens | Contains soy and oats; nut-containing variants also include tree nuts (almonds) | Contains milk and soy; may contain nuts depending on the specific product |
| Price | Tends to be slightly more expensive than its traditional counterpart | Standard, affordable pricing for a mass-market candy bar |
How to Find Hershey's Vegan Products
Finding the plant-based Hershey's products can sometimes be tricky as their availability can be limited compared to the classic options. Here are some strategies for locating them:
- Use the Online Store Locator: The official Hersheyland website provides a store locator function that can help you find specific products near you, including the plant-based varieties.
- Check Major Retailers: Larger retail chains like Target and Walmart are more likely to carry the plant-based lines. Be sure to check the special dietary or health food aisles, as they are often placed there rather than with the traditional chocolate bars.
- Shop Online: Websites like the Hershey's online store, Amazon, and specialty vegan retailers like Vegan Essentials often stock the plant-based products, especially if they are difficult to find locally.
- Read Labels Carefully: Always double-check the packaging for a "Plant Based" or "Vegan" logo, as dark chocolate from Hershey's is not necessarily vegan.
Conclusion
For a long time, the answer to the question "Does Hershey have vegan chocolate?" was a straightforward "no." However, with the introduction of its dedicated plant-based line featuring oat milk chocolate bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, the company has expanded its market to be more inclusive of vegan consumers. While the traditional favorites like Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars and standard Special Dark still contain dairy, a growing number of delicious dairy-free alternatives are now available. Remember to always read labels and use online tools to find the latest vegan-friendly products as they roll out. The vegan landscape is evolving, and with brands like Hershey's joining the movement, there has never been a better time to enjoy plant-based sweets. For more information on Hershey's plant-based products, visit the official website: www.hersheyland.com/plant-based.
