The Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Hershey's Bar
When we look at the nutritional panel of a standard full-size Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar, the profile is indicative of a candy bar, not a health food. For a typical serving, it is a calorie-dense treat with significant amounts of sugar and saturated fat. An EWG analysis noted that the product contains four teaspoons of added and natural sugar per serving, accounting for over half of its weight. For context, a 1.55 oz bar contains 160 calories, 10g of fat (including 6g of saturated fat), and 19g of sugar. This high sugar content is linked to an increased risk of dental problems, while excessive intake of saturated fat and calories can contribute to weight gain and heart disease.
The Impact of Ingredients on Nutrition
Beyond the macronutrient content, the ingredient list provides further insight. For Hershey's Milk Chocolate, the primary ingredients are sugar, milk, and chocolate. The addition of milk fat and various flavorings, along with extensive processing, places it squarely in the category of ultra-processed foods. This differs significantly from pure, minimally processed cocoa, which is the source of chocolate's recognized health benefits. The low cocoa percentage means very few of the beneficial compounds, such as flavanols, make it to the final product compared to higher-cacao dark chocolates.
Debunking the 'Dark Chocolate' Myth: Hershey's Special Dark
Many consumers turn to dark chocolate for its purported health advantages, assuming all dark options are created equal. This is not the case with Hershey's Special Dark. While it is marketed as a dark chocolate, testing by ConsumerLab.com revealed that it has one of the lowest concentrations of cocoa flavanols among popular dark chocolates. The reason for this is the "dutching" process, where the cocoa is treated with alkali to reduce bitterness and darken the color. This process unfortunately destroys a significant portion of the flavanols, which are the very antioxidants that provide dark chocolate its health-promoting properties.
The Heavy Metal Contention
A more concerning issue for some Hershey's dark chocolate products is the detection of heavy metals. Consumer Reports tests found detectable levels of lead and cadmium in many dark chocolate bars, including Hershey's Special Dark and products from its subsidiary Lily's. While the company states its products meet quality and safety standards, the presence of these toxic metals, which are linked to health problems in adults and children, is a significant concern for consumers. It is important for consumers to be aware of these risks, especially given that there is no safe level of lead exposure.
How Hershey's Chocolate Compares
| Feature | Hershey's Milk Chocolate | Hershey's Special Dark | High-Quality 70%+ Dark Chocolate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Content | Low | Higher, but treated with alkali | High (70% or more) |
| Antioxidants | Very Low | Significantly Reduced (due to processing) | High (rich in flavanols) |
| Added Sugar | High | High | Lower |
| Saturated Fat | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Heavy Metals | Detected lead in milk chocolate | Detected lead and cadmium | Can contain lead and cadmium, check sourcing |
| Health Impact | Occasional treat due to high sugar/fat | Not as healthy as traditional dark chocolate | Potential health benefits when consumed in moderation |
Making Healthier Chocolate Choices
For those who wish to incorporate chocolate into their diet for its potential health benefits, the type of chocolate is crucial. High-quality dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage (70% or more) is the best option because it has more flavanols and less added sugar. Here are a few tips for making healthier choices:
- Read the Label: Check the ingredient list. The first ingredient should be cocoa or a derivative, not sugar.
- Prioritize High Cacao: Opt for products with a cacao content of at least 70% to maximize antioxidant intake and minimize sugar.
- Consider Alternatives: Unsweetened cocoa powder or cocoa nibs can be added to smoothies or yogurt for a cocoa fix without the added sugar and fat.
- Portion Control: Even the healthiest chocolate is calorie-dense. A small amount, like one ounce per day, is recommended.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question of how healthy is Hershey's chocolate depends on which product you're referring to and your definition of healthy. Standard Hershey's milk chocolate is a candy, high in sugar and fat with very little nutritional value. While Hershey's Special Dark may sound healthier, the processing and potential heavy metal contaminants make it a questionable choice compared to other dark chocolate brands. The genuine health benefits of chocolate are derived from the antioxidants found in high-cacao dark chocolate, consumed in moderation. Consumers should treat Hershey's products as occasional sweets rather than health foods and explore higher-quality dark chocolate options for nutritional advantages. For reliable information on quality, the Consumer Reports findings on heavy metals should be considered when choosing a brand.
Healthier Chocolate Choices:
- High-cacao dark chocolate (70%+)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Cocoa nibs
- Artisan dark chocolates
- Dark chocolate covered almonds
- Brands with lower sugar and higher cacao percentages
Optional Outbound Link
For more information on the health benefits of high-quality dark chocolate, visit Healthline's guide: 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate.
