What Makes Dark Chocolate Healthy?
Before diving into Hershey's specifically, it's important to understand what makes high-quality dark chocolate beneficial. The health-boosting properties primarily come from the cacao bean, which is rich in a group of antioxidants called flavanols. These powerful plant compounds have been linked to several positive health effects. Flavanols may help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Dark chocolate is also a source of important minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc.
To get the most health benefit, nutritional experts recommend choosing dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao content. A higher cacao percentage typically means less sugar and a higher concentration of flavanols and minerals. It's also vital to consume it in moderation due to its calorie and fat content.
The Hershey's Difference: Cacao Content and Processing
Unlike many premium dark chocolate brands, Hershey's Special Dark contains a lower cacao percentage. While some sources report this to be as low as 45-49% for certain products, it is often not prominently displayed on packaging. This lower cacao content automatically means less of the beneficial flavanols and more added sugar compared to a 70% or 85% dark chocolate bar.
Even more significantly, Hershey's utilizes an alkalization process, also known as "Dutching," in its dark chocolate. This process involves treating the cocoa with an alkaline solution to reduce its bitterness and create a milder flavor and darker color. However, this method has a major drawback: it destroys a significant portion of the flavanol antioxidants naturally present in the cacao bean. In fact, testing by ConsumerLab.com found that because it is processed with alkali, Hershey's Special Dark bar had the lowest flavanol concentration among many tested dark chocolates.
The Heavy Metal Controversy
A significant concern regarding Hershey's dark chocolate came to light following tests by Consumer Reports. The organization, and subsequent lawsuits, found detectable levels of the heavy metals lead and cadmium in many dark chocolate products, including Hershey's.
- Lead: Can get into cocoa beans after harvest, for example, from contact with dust and soil as beans dry outdoors. Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate was found to contain particularly high levels of lead.
- Cadmium: The cacao plant can absorb cadmium from the soil as it grows. Because dark chocolate has more cocoa solids, it tends to have higher cadmium levels than milk chocolate.
While the industry maintains that chocolate is safe to eat in moderation, Consumer Reports and others have called for manufacturers to reduce these levels. Some brands have shown it is possible to achieve lower levels of heavy metals through careful sourcing and processing. For vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, heavy metal exposure poses a higher risk.
Comparison: Hershey's vs. Higher-Cacao Brands
To illustrate the nutritional trade-offs, here is a comparison of a typical Hershey's Special Dark bar and a higher-cacao dark chocolate option, based on available data.
| Feature | Hershey's Special Dark | High-Cacao (e.g., 72% Ghirardelli) |
|---|---|---|
| Cacao Percentage | ~45-49% | 72% |
| Processing | Processed with Alkali (Dutched) | Typically not heavily processed |
| Antioxidant (Flavanol) Content | Low (reduced by Dutch process) | High |
| Heavy Metal Concerns (Lead) | Elevated levels found in testing | Lower levels reported in testing |
| Heavy Metal Concerns (Cadmium) | Lower concerns than lead, but still present | Present, but can be managed by sourcing |
| Sugar Content | Mildly sweet, higher sugar content | Rich, more intense flavor, lower sugar |
What does all this mean for the consumer?
For those seeking the scientifically-backed health benefits of dark chocolate, Hershey's Special Dark is not the ideal choice. The Dutching process and lower cacao percentage strip away a significant portion of the antioxidants responsible for most of dark chocolate's lauded health properties. The recent findings regarding heavy metals add another layer of concern for frequent consumption, especially for sensitive groups.
If you enjoy Hershey's for its taste, treating it as a standard candy bar rather than a health food is the most accurate approach. For a truly healthy dark chocolate experience, consumers should look for options with higher cacao content (70% or more) and, if possible, brands that specify they are not processed with alkali. The ingredient list is a valuable tool here. Look for one where cocoa beans or cocoa solids are the first ingredient, and where the list is short and simple. Some companies also provide heavy metal testing results publicly, allowing for more informed decisions.
Conclusion
While dark chocolate, in general, can offer significant health benefits, it's clear that not all dark chocolate is created equal. Hershey's Special Dark, due to its manufacturing process and lower cacao content, delivers minimal nutritional advantages over other candy bars. The potential health risks associated with heavy metals further underscore that it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a health food. For health-conscious consumers, seeking out higher-cacao, minimally processed dark chocolates is the more prudent choice.
For more detailed information on comparing chocolate brands and their heavy metal content, see Consumer Reports’ ongoing investigations into this topic.
A better chocolate choice involves considering these factors:
- Prioritize High Cacao Content: Look for bars with 70% cacao or higher to maximize antioxidant intake and minimize sugar.
- Avoid Alkalization: Check the ingredients for "processed with alkali" or "Dutch-processed" to ensure flavanols are preserved.
- Read the Ingredients: The ingredient list should be simple, with cocoa as the first item, not sugar.
- Eat in Moderation: Regardless of brand, dark chocolate is calorie-dense and should be enjoyed in small portions as part of a balanced diet.
- Vary Your Brands: Alternating between different brands can help mitigate the risk of consuming high levels of heavy metals from a single source.
