What's Actually in a Hershey's Chocolate Bar?
Answering the question, "Does Hershey's have chemicals?" requires looking at both intentional additives and potential contaminants. Every food, including chocolate, is made of chemicals—some natural and some added for processing or preservation. Understanding the ingredients helps clarify what you are consuming.
The Standard Ingredients
Hershey's iconic milk chocolate bars contain a relatively simple list of ingredients, though some are more complex than basic sugar and cocoa.
- Sugar: The primary ingredient, providing sweetness and energy.
- Milk: A blend of non-fat milk, milk fat, and lactose creates the signature milky flavor and creamy texture.
- Chocolate: The cocoa solids and cocoa butter derived from roasted cacao beans are the core of any chocolate.
- Lecithin (Soy): A fatty emulsifier, derived from soybeans, that prevents cocoa and cocoa butter from separating, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- PGPR (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate): An emulsifier made from castor beans. It reduces the viscosity of chocolate, which helps it flow more easily into molds, saving cocoa butter and lowering costs.
- Natural Flavor: This vague term covers flavorings derived from natural sources, such as vanilla, to create the distinctive taste profile.
Comparing Hershey's Ingredients with European Chocolate
Hershey's taste and texture differ noticeably from many European brands, a difference that boils down to key ingredient and process variations.
| Feature | Hershey's Milk Chocolate | European Milk Chocolate (e.g., Cadbury) |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Content | Minimum 10% in the US; often tastes less intense and more sugary. | Requires higher cocoa content (e.g., min. 30% in EU, 25% in UK); richer cocoa flavor. |
| Emulsifiers | Uses PGPR to reduce cocoa butter content and manage texture. | Uses higher cocoa butter content for a smoother, richer mouthfeel. |
| Flavor Profile | Known for a slightly tangy or "sour" flavor from butyric acid, a result of the unique manufacturing process. | Often known for richer, creamier flavor profiles due to different milk sourcing and higher cocoa butter. |
| Conching Time | Shorter conching process results in a less refined texture. | Longer conching process for a finer, velvety texture. |
| Milk Sourcing | Uses pasteurized milk, which can affect the flavor profile. | Often uses higher-fat content European milk and different processing methods. |
Concerns Over Potential Contaminants and Additives
While the basic ingredients of a Hershey's bar are approved for consumption, several recent issues have raised questions about potential contaminants and the safety of additives.
- Heavy Metals (Lead and Cadmium): In December 2022, Consumer Reports published a study highlighting concerning levels of lead and cadmium in many dark chocolate products, including some from Hershey's-owned brands like Lily's. Exposure to heavy metals is a concern, especially for children and pregnant women, as it can cause developmental and health issues. In March 2025, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Hershey, alleging the company misled consumers by failing to disclose these heavy metals in its dark chocolate.
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): In January 2025, another class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that the packaging for several Hershey products contained harmful "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. These substances have been linked to serious health risks. The lawsuit claims Hershey did not disclose this contamination despite marketing its products as high-quality and safe.
- Artificial Flavors and Highly Processed Ingredients: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has flagged some Hershey products as unhealthy, ultra-processed foods due to high sugar and fat content and the inclusion of non-specific "natural and artificial flavors". The EWG links ultra-processed food consumption to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Making an Informed Choice
For consumers, understanding the contents of their chocolate is crucial. The presence of additives like lecithin and PGPR is standard in many American chocolates and has been deemed safe by regulatory bodies. However, concerns regarding heavy metals and packaging contaminants are more recent and serious issues. These are not ingredients added by design, but rather contaminants that can be picked up during processing or from the environment where cocoa is grown.
To make a truly informed choice, consumers can take several steps:
- Read the Label: Check the ingredients list and nutritional information on any Hershey product, as ingredients can vary significantly between different products like a simple milk chocolate bar versus a candy bar with multiple add-ins.
- Consider Dark vs. Milk Chocolate: Dark chocolate, especially higher-cacao varieties, has often been touted for health benefits like antioxidants. However, it is these varieties that have also shown higher levels of heavy metal contamination in recent studies.
- Explore European Alternatives: If the taste or ingredients in American chocolate are a concern, trying European brands with different ingredient lists and manufacturing processes is an option. European chocolates typically have higher cocoa and cocoa butter content and a different flavor profile.
- Buy Organic: Some consumers choose to buy organic chocolate to avoid certain processing chemicals and agricultural practices, though this does not guarantee freedom from all contaminants like heavy metals, which can be absorbed from the soil.
The Takeaway on Hershey's and Chemicals
Ultimately, whether a product is considered to have "chemicals" depends on the definition. Hershey's contains standard food ingredients and approved additives. However, recent scrutiny has highlighted potential issues with contaminants like lead, cadmium, and PFAS in some products and packaging, raising valid health concerns. While regulatory bodies like the FDA set standards, independent testing has shown certain products exceed some health guidelines, particularly when consumed frequently. This makes it essential for consumers to stay informed and consider these factors when making purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
The question, "Does Hershey's have chemicals?" is best answered by separating standard, food-grade ingredients from potential environmental contaminants. Hershey's uses specific ingredients and additives, such as PGPR and soy lecithin, to create its signature flavor and texture, all of which are approved for use. However, recent lawsuits and consumer reports have brought attention to concerning levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium in some dark chocolate varieties and PFAS in certain product packaging. While a casual treat is unlikely to cause immediate harm, regular consumption, especially of products shown to have higher contaminant levels, warrants attention, particularly for vulnerable populations. Consumers should weigh the enjoyment of this American classic against the potential risks highlighted by third-party testing and litigation.
