Does Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Have Milk in It?

Despite its 'dark' name, the ingredients list for Hershey's Special Dark chocolate explicitly includes milk fat. This can be surprising for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, as it's a common misconception that all dark chocolates are dairy-free.

Quick Summary

Hershey's Special Dark chocolate contains milk fat and is not suitable for dairy-free or vegan diets. The product's ingredients clearly list dairy components.

Key Points

• Contains Milk Fat: Hershey's Special Dark lists milk fat as a key ingredient, making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or vegan diets.

• Not Dairy-Free: Despite being a "dark" chocolate, it is not dairy-free and contains milk derivatives for flavor and texture.

• Check the Label: Always read the ingredient list, as many commercial dark chocolates add dairy and may not be inherently safe for milk allergies.

• Kosher Dairy (OU-D): The Kosher certification on the packaging includes a "D" for Dairy, confirming the presence of milk ingredients.

• Cross-Contamination Risk: Even without direct dairy, shared equipment during manufacturing can introduce milk traces, which is an important consideration for severe allergies.

• Alternative Options Exist: Many artisan or high-percentage dark chocolate bars are truly dairy-free, but verifying the label is crucial.

The Clear Answer: A Look at the Ingredients

The simple and definitive answer is yes, Hershey's Special Dark chocolate does contain milk. While the term "dark chocolate" often suggests a dairy-free product, this is not the case for many commercially produced chocolate bars, including this popular Hershey's variety. An examination of the ingredient list and product information reveals several key indicators of its dairy content.

The official ingredients for Hershey's Special Dark list "milk fat". Some ingredient labels have also listed "lactose (milk)" as an ingredient, a clear indication of a milk component. For those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or those following a vegan diet, this makes Hershey's Special Dark unsuitable for consumption.

Why Commercial Dark Chocolate May Contain Dairy

Unlike artisanal or high-percentage dark chocolate, which is typically made with just cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar, many mass-produced chocolates incorporate dairy for specific reasons:

• Flavor and Texture: Adding milk derivatives like milk fat creates a milder, creamier flavor and a smoother texture that is often preferred by a broader consumer base.
• Cost Reduction: Dairy fillers can be a more cost-effective ingredient than pure cacao.
• Cross-Contamination Risk: Beyond direct ingredients, many chocolate products carry a "may contain milk" warning because they are manufactured on shared equipment with milk chocolate products. This poses a serious risk to individuals with severe milk allergies, even if dairy isn't a listed ingredient.

Comparison: Hershey's Special Dark vs. Certified Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate

To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison between Hershey's Special Dark and a genuinely dairy-free dark chocolate alternative.

Feature	Hershey's Special Dark	Certified Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate
Dairy Content	Contains milk fat, sometimes lactose	No milk ingredients added
Ingredient List	Lists 'milk fat' and other milk derivatives	Lists only cacao, sugar, and emulsifiers
Allergen Label	Contains: Milk, Soy, and possibly almonds	Clearly states 'dairy-free' or 'vegan'
Suitable For Vegans	No, due to milk ingredients	Yes, if also labeled as vegan
Kosher Status	OU-D (Kosher Dairy)	OU-Pareve (Kosher Non-Dairy)

How to Find Truly Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate

For those seeking dairy-free options, a careful approach to label reading is crucial. Here are some guidelines:

1. Check for Certifications: Look for a "Dairy-Free" or "Vegan Certified" label. Some products may also be marked "Kosher Pareve," indicating they are free of dairy ingredients.
2. Scrutinize the Ingredient List: Even if a product is labeled "dark," read the ingredient list for hidden dairy terms. A truly dairy-free dark chocolate should contain cacao beans, cocoa butter, sugar, and possibly vanilla and lecithin (preferably soy or sunflower-based).
3. Identify Hidden Dairy: Be aware of less obvious dairy ingredients like whey, casein, or milk solids.
4. Confirm Processing: If you have a severe allergy, always check for cross-contamination warnings. Some brands specify if their products are made in dedicated dairy-free facilities.

Reputable Dairy-Free Chocolate Brands

Several brands are known for their commitment to producing genuinely dairy-free dark chocolate. Some examples include certain variants of Lindt (70%+ Excellence bars) or Ghirardelli (72% Cacao Twilight Delight). Specialized vegan brands often provide transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices. For the most accurate information on any specific product, always consult the manufacturer's website.

Conclusion

Despite its common name, Hershey's Special Dark is not a dairy-free product and contains milk fat as a listed ingredient. This is an important distinction for those with allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions. For those with milk sensitivities, it is essential to look beyond the "dark" label and carefully read the ingredient list and allergen warnings on all chocolate products. Fortunately, there are many genuinely dairy-free dark chocolate alternatives available from other brands that cater to these specific needs.

Hershey's official Special Dark ingredients can be found here

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hershey's Special Dark considered a dairy-free product?

No, Hershey's Special Dark is not dairy-free because its ingredients include milk fat and other milk derivatives.

Does the Kosher 'OU-D' certification on Hershey's Special Dark mean it contains dairy?

Yes, the OU-D symbol confirms that the product contains dairy ingredients or was produced on dairy equipment.

Is there milk in Hershey's Special Dark with almonds?

Yes, the Special Dark with almonds variant also contains milk fat, in addition to the nuts.

How can I tell if a dark chocolate bar has milk in it?

Always check the ingredient list for terms like "milk fat," "milk solids," "lactose," or "whey." Also look for allergen warnings that explicitly list milk.

Why do some dark chocolates contain milk?

Commercial chocolate manufacturers sometimes add milk derivatives like milk fat to create a milder flavor and smoother texture, appealing to a broader consumer base.

Can I eat Hershey's Special Dark if I am vegan?

No, Hershey's Special Dark is not vegan because it contains milk fat and other animal-derived ingredients.

Does dark chocolate from other brands contain milk?

It depends on the brand. While pure dark chocolate does not contain milk, many commercial brands add it or risk cross-contamination, so checking the label is essential.