Hershey's Evolving Ingredient Policy
In the mid-2010s, facing significant consumer pressure, The Hershey Company began a public journey toward simplifying its ingredient list for key products like Hershey's Kisses and Milk Chocolate Bars. This included a high-profile move to eliminate genetically modified (GM) sugar and soy lecithin from these specific items. While this was a major step for the company's most iconic products, it was a change for a limited scope, not a company-wide pledge to eliminate all genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This initial commitment addressed public demand for greater transparency and simpler ingredients in some of their most recognizable candies.
The Shift from 'GMO' to 'Bioengineered' Food
For years, the term GMO was used ubiquitously by consumers, but the introduction of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard in the United States brought new, official terminology. As of January 1, 2022, manufacturers are required to disclose bioengineered (BE) food ingredients through specific text, a symbol, or an electronic/digital link (like a QR code). Hershey's complies with this standard and has clarified its use of BE ingredients in many of its products, reflecting the broader reality of the US food supply. This means that while some classic Hershey's products made the switch to non-GMO sources, many other items in the company's extensive catalog may use bioengineered ingredients derived from common crops like corn, soy, and sugar beets.
Bioengineered Ingredients in Common Food Products
It is important to understand that bioengineered ingredients are widespread in the US food system. Major crops are often grown from bioengineered seeds to improve resistance to pests and herbicides, leading to higher yields and lower costs. Common food additives and sweeteners are frequently sourced from these bioengineered crops. The USDA standard allows highly refined ingredients, such as refined sugar from sugar beets or certain soy products, to be exempt from mandatory BE labeling if the modified genetic material is no longer detectable in the final product. This can create confusion for consumers who want to know the origin of all ingredients. However, many companies, including Hershey's, provide additional information via platforms like SmartLabel.
Products Containing Bioengineered Ingredients
Many Hershey's products contain ingredients derived from bioengineered crops. Key examples include:
- Corn Syrup: A common ingredient in many candies, often made from bioengineered corn.
- Sugar: Refined sugar can come from either cane sugar or bioengineered sugar beets. Since the refined product often has no detectable modified genetic material, it may be unlabeled, though the source is from a BE crop.
- Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier frequently derived from bioengineered soybeans.
- Vegetable Oils: Some vegetable oils used in various products may be sourced from bioengineered crops.
What About the Health and Safety of GMOs/BE Foods?
Major scientific and regulatory bodies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Academy of Sciences, have stated that foods from bioengineered crops are safe to eat and pose no greater risk to human health than their non-bioengineered counterparts. While some critics raise concerns about long-term effects and increased herbicide use, a large body of evidence supports the safety of bioengineered foods currently on the market. Consumers who prefer to avoid BE ingredients typically do so based on personal, ethical, or environmental considerations rather than specific health risks identified by regulatory agencies.
Comparison of Hershey's Product Types
To help consumers make informed decisions, here is a comparison of typical Hershey's products based on their bioengineered status.
| Feature | Iconic Hershey's (e.g., Milk Chocolate Bar) | Organic Hershey's (e.g., Organic Milk Chocolate Bars) | Other Standard Hershey's Products (e.g., Jolly Ranchers, Kit Kats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BE Disclosure Required? | No, as of the 2015 ingredient switch. | No, as Organic certification prohibits GMOs. | Yes, if detectable BE ingredients are present, or ingredients are derived from BE sources. |
| Sourcing of Sugar | Non-genetically modified sugar. | Sourced from certified organic cane sugar. | Often sourced from conventional sugar beets (often BE) or other sources. |
| Sourcing of Soy Lecithin | Non-genetically modified soy lecithin. | Not used, or sourced from certified organic soy. | Often sourced from conventional soy (often BE). |
| Relevant Certifications | None specifically for non-GMO on these classic items. | USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. | Standard USDA Bioengineered disclosure where applicable. |
| Information Access | Standard label, potential SmartLabel information. | Prominently labeled with USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified logos. | SmartLabel QR code or BE text disclosure on packaging. |
The Role of SmartLabel and Consumer Transparency
To provide consumers with more detailed ingredient information, including clarification on bioengineered status, Hershey's uses the SmartLabel initiative. The QR codes on packaging allow customers to scan with a smartphone to access a landing page with in-depth product data, well beyond what fits on a physical label. This system empowers individuals to learn more about the food they are eating and aligns with the modern approach to consumer education. This level of transparency is a direct response to consumer demand for greater understanding of food sources and manufacturing processes.
Making Informed Dietary Choices
For those managing a nutrition diet, understanding ingredient sources is paramount. The presence of BE ingredients, while considered safe by regulatory bodies, is a personal choice for many. By learning to identify Bioengineered food labels and utilizing tools like SmartLabel, you can make more informed decisions based on your personal dietary and ethical standards. Whether you opt for certified organic products to avoid BE ingredients entirely or choose specific classic items known to have non-BE ingredients, the power to make choices that align with your nutrition diet is now more accessible than ever.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Hershey's website to check specific product FAQs and ingredient details.
Conclusion
To answer the central question, Does Hershey's use GMO?—the answer is nuanced. While some iconic Hershey's products were transitioned away from genetically modified ingredients in 2015, many other items in the company's portfolio do contain ingredients from bioengineered crops. The use of common ingredients like corn syrup and sugar from sugar beets, which are often bioengineered, means that many processed Hershey's foods will include these components. Consumers can rely on new USDA Bioengineered food labels, as well as voluntary information through SmartLabel, to identify products containing BE ingredients. For a guaranteed non-bioengineered product, certified USDA Organic options are the most reliable choice. Ultimately, staying informed about ingredient sources empowers consumers to make dietary choices that best suit their preferences and nutrition diet goals.
