Understanding Hershey's Cocoa Powder
Hershey's offers two primary types of cocoa powder: the Natural Unsweetened variety and the Special Dark blend. The focus here is primarily on the widely used natural unsweetened powder, a pantry staple made from 100% cacao beans. This type is known for its intense, rich chocolate flavor, making it a versatile base for everything from baked goods to hot chocolate.
The Short Answer: Zero Grams of Sugar
The most important fact is simple: the standard Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is sugar-free. The only ingredient listed on the can is "cocoa" or "100% cacao". This means you can use it in your recipes with complete control over the type and amount of sweetener you add, which is ideal for those following specific dietary plans like keto or low-sugar diets.
A Deeper Look at the Nutrition Label
While the product contains no added sugar, it's also important to note the naturally occurring sugar content is 0 grams per serving. A typical one-tablespoon serving (about 5 grams) contains only 10 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, and 3 grams of total carbohydrates, 2 grams of which come from dietary fiber. This high fiber and low carbohydrate profile make it a nutrient-dense option.
Here is a breakdown of the typical nutritional facts for a 1 tbsp (5g) serving of Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 tbsp | % Daily Value (DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 10 | |
| Total Fat | 0.5g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 0g | |
| Included Added Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | <1g | |
| Iron | 2mg | 10% |
Natural vs. Dutch-Processed Cocoa
The two main types of cocoa powder, natural and Dutch-processed, differ in how they are produced, which impacts their flavor, color, and acidity. Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa is non-alkalized, meaning it has a sharper, slightly fruity flavor and is lighter in color. Dutch-processed (like the Special Dark variety) has been treated with an alkaline solution to neutralize its acidity, resulting in a darker, smoother, and milder flavor. Crucially, both types from Hershey's are unsweetened and contain zero sugar.
- Natural Cocoa: Acidic, reacts with baking soda to leaven goods. Tastes fruity and sharp.
- Dutch-Processed Cocoa: Neutral pH, requires baking powder for leavening. Tastes mellow and dark.
Conclusion
In summary, if you're asking, "Does Hershey's cocoa powder contain sugar?", the definitive answer is no. Both the Natural Unsweetened and Special Dark varieties are made from 100% cacao with no added sugars. This makes them excellent ingredients for recipes where you want full control over the sweetness profile or for adhering to a low-sugar diet. Always check the label of any cocoa product, as some commercial mixes do contain sugar and other additives.
