How many calories are in a Hershy kiss?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single, standard milk chocolate Hershey's Kiss contains approximately 22 to 23 calories, making it a surprisingly small and manageable treat. For those mindful of their diet, knowing precisely how many calories are in a Hershy kiss is a key step towards enjoying a sweet indulgence responsibly.

Quick Summary

A single Hershey's Milk Chocolate Kiss typically contains 22-23 calories, with nutritional variations across different flavors like Special Dark or Milk Chocolate with Almonds. Enjoying these treats in moderation is a mindful way to fit them into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A classic milk chocolate Hershey's Kiss has approximately 22-23 calories per piece.
Serving Sizes: Typical nutritional labels use serving sizes of 7-9 pieces, dramatically increasing the stated calorie count to 160-200 calories.
Flavor Differences: While the calorie count per piece is similar, variations like Special Dark have slightly different fat and sugar ratios.
Mindful Snacking: The small, individually-wrapped nature of Kisses makes them an excellent tool for practicing portion control.
Macronutrient Profile: The calories are primarily derived from fat (mostly saturated) and sugar, with minimal protein or fiber.
Balanced Approach: Enjoying chocolate in moderation, alongside a healthy diet, is the most sustainable approach for managing intake.
Low Caffeine: Chocolate is not a significant source of caffeine, with a Kiss containing a negligible amount.

Breaking Down the Classic Milk Chocolate Kiss

The iconic milk chocolate Hershey's Kiss is a staple in candy dishes and a popular treat worldwide. While it feels like a rich indulgence, its individual size makes it a relatively low-calorie choice for a sweet craving. At roughly 22 to 23 calories per piece, a single Kiss offers a quick dose of chocolate without a significant impact on your daily caloric intake. This makes it an ideal option for portion control.

Beyond the Wrapper: Weight and Macronutrients

To understand the full nutritional profile, it's important to look beyond just the calorie count. A standard Hershey's Kiss weighs approximately 4.5 grams. The calorie breakdown comes mostly from fats and carbohydrates, with very little protein. For instance, each Kiss contains about 1.3 grams of fat (with 0.9 grams being saturated fat) and 2.7 grams of carbohydrates, which are predominantly from sugar. It's a sweet treat, so a high sugar content is to be expected, but its small size keeps the numbers contained.

Comparing Different Hershey's Kiss Flavors

The nutritional information can vary slightly between different Kiss flavors. While the classic milk chocolate is a great starting point, other varieties offer different calorie counts, which is important to consider if they are your preferred treat. For example, Special Dark Kisses, which are less sweet, have a slightly different fat and sugar composition. Here is a comparison of the approximate calorie counts for a few popular flavors based on standard serving sizes, which typically range from 7 to 9 pieces.


Flavor	Calories per Piece (Approx.)	Fat per 7-9 pc Serving (Approx.)	Sugars per 7-9 pc Serving (Approx.)
Milk Chocolate	22-23	9-11g	18-22g
Special Dark	21-22	12g	21g
Milk Chocolate w/ Almonds	22	10g	15g

It is always wise to check the nutrition label on the specific package you purchase, as formulations can change over time.

How to Fit Hershey's Kisses into a Balanced Diet

For many, a sweet treat like a Hershey's Kiss is a source of comfort or a small moment of joy. The key to enjoying them without derailing health goals is portion control and mindfulness. Because of their small size, they are a great tool for this purpose. Instead of consuming a large candy bar, a few Kisses can satisfy a craving effectively. Consider the following strategies:

Mindful Indulgence: Enjoy each Kiss slowly, savoring the taste and texture. This helps register the enjoyment and feel more satisfied with a smaller amount.
Predetermined Portions: Instead of eating from the bag, place a small number of Kisses (e.g., 2-3) in a small dish. This visual cue helps set a limit and prevent overconsumption.
Pair with a Nutrient-Dense Snack: Complement the sweet treat with a healthier snack, such as a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit. The fiber and protein will increase satiety and reduce the likelihood of craving more candy.
Track Your Intake: If you are actively monitoring your calories, log each Kiss you eat. This simple act can create accountability and prevent mindless snacking.

Debunking Myths About Chocolate Calories

Chocolate is often unfairly demonized, but understanding the facts can put your mind at ease. For instance, a common myth is that chocolate is high in caffeine. In reality, a single Hershey's Kiss contains a negligible amount of caffeine. Another misconception is that the fat in chocolate, stearic acid, raises bad cholesterol. Research has shown that stearic acid has a neutral effect on cholesterol levels. While Hershey's Kisses contain saturated fat, enjoying them in moderation as part of a varied diet is key. Remember, chocolate also contains beneficial nutrients like magnesium, copper, and iron, and even antioxidants in its cocoa content, especially in darker versions.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a single Hershey's Milk Chocolate Kiss offers a small, sweet reward for approximately 22-23 calories. The exact count can differ slightly based on flavor, with Special Dark and Almond varieties hovering around the same range. The key to enjoying Kisses without compromising your diet is mindful portion control. By being aware of their nutritional profile and consuming them in moderation, you can easily fit this classic treat into a healthy lifestyle. For more precise nutritional data, it's always best to consult the official source: Hershey's Kisses official nutrition information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since a single milk chocolate Kiss has about 22-23 calories, five Kisses would contain approximately 110-115 calories. This is a simple way to practice portion control while enjoying a treat.

Yes, different flavors have slightly different nutritional profiles. For example, while classic Milk Chocolate Kisses have 22-23 calories each, Special Dark Kisses are around 21-22 calories per piece.

Serving sizes can vary based on packaging, but for the standard milk chocolate variety, a common serving is 7 pieces (160 calories) or 9 pieces (200 calories). This is a good example of why it's important to be aware of the per-piece calorie count.

As a candy, Hershey's Kisses contain a significant amount of sugar relative to their size. A single piece contains about 2.6-3 grams of sugar, with that number increasing rapidly per serving.

Yes, you can include Hershey's Kisses in a diet. Their small size makes them excellent for mindful portion control. By tracking your intake and enjoying them in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet without causing weight gain.

While primarily a sugary treat, Kisses do contain some beneficial nutrients from cocoa, such as magnesium, copper, and iron. Darker varieties, like Special Dark Kisses, contain more antioxidants.

Compared to larger candy bars, the individual, small size of a Hershey's Kiss makes it a lower-calorie option per piece. It’s ideal for controlling portions, unlike larger, more calorie-dense alternatives.