Is Hershey's 100% Cacao Good For You?

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols, which are natural chemicals linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular function. Hershey's 100% Cacao is a popular unsweetened cocoa powder, but many wonder if it offers the same health advantages as other high-quality cacao products.

Quick Summary

This article explores the nutritional profile, health benefits, and potential downsides of Hershey's 100% Cacao powder, comparing it to other pure cacao options.

Key Points

Antioxidant-Rich: Hershey's 100% Cacao contains beneficial polyphenols and flavonoids that offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Source of Minerals: It provides essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium, important for various bodily functions.
Processed vs. Raw: Hershey's is a processed cocoa powder, which means it has lower antioxidant and mineral levels compared to raw cacao powder.
Heavy Metal Concerns: Some reports have indicated higher levels of heavy metals, like lead, in Hershey's cocoa, a concern to consider when choosing a product.
Best Uses: It is excellent for baking due to its classic flavor, while raw cacao is superior for uncooked recipes like smoothies for maximum nutritional benefit.
Moderate Consumption: The health benefits of any cocoa or cacao product depend on moderate, mindful consumption as part of a balanced diet.

Understanding Hershey's 100% Cacao

Hershey's 100% Cacao is an unsweetened cocoa powder, made from roasted cocoa beans. It is important to distinguish between 'cocoa' and 'cacao' because the processing method affects the nutritional content. Cocoa powder, like Hershey's, is roasted at high temperatures, which can diminish some of the delicate flavonoids present in raw cacao powder. Hershey's product is also a 'natural' cocoa, meaning it has not undergone the alkalization process (often called 'Dutch-processing') that reduces bitterness and darkens the color.

The Nutritional Power of Cocoa

Despite the heat processing, natural cocoa powder still retains many beneficial compounds, particularly antioxidants. These include flavonoids like procyanidins and epicatechins, which are noted for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cocoa also contains important minerals:

Magnesium: Vital for muscle and nerve function, and bone health.
Iron: Important for oxygen transport in the blood.
Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes gut health.

Potential Health Benefits

Incorporating Hershey's 100% Cacao into your diet, in moderation, can contribute to overall wellness. Its rich antioxidant content can help combat oxidative stress in the body. The flavanols may help improve nitric oxide levels, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow, potentially reducing blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart disease. Cocoa can also have a positive effect on mood by boosting serotonin and endorphin levels, creating a sense of well-being.

Risks and Considerations

While beneficial, it's crucial to be aware of potential drawbacks. A Consumer Reports test found that a serving of Hershey's Natural Unsweetened 100% Cacao powder exceeded their heavy metal limits for lead. This issue is not unique to Hershey's; heavy metals can be present in cocoa products due to soil absorption. However, higher-quality, raw cacao products often have stricter testing and lower levels. For those sensitive to heavy metals, or looking for the highest nutrient density, less-processed alternatives may be preferable.

Hershey's 100% Cacao vs. Raw Cacao Powder

It's important to understand the differences between Hershey's processed cocoa and raw cacao powder to make an informed choice. The primary differences lie in the processing temperature and nutritional content.


Feature	Hershey's 100% Cacao (Processed Cocoa)	Raw Cacao Powder
Processing	Roasted at high temperatures. Natural (not alkalized).	Cold-pressed, unroasted, and minimally processed.
Flavor Profile	Mellow, less bitter, with a classic chocolate flavor due to roasting.	More intense, bitter, and complex due to preservation of raw nutrients.
Nutritional Content	High in antioxidants, but some are reduced by high heat processing.	Higher levels of antioxidants (flavonoids) due to minimal processing.
Mineral Levels	Contains beneficial minerals like magnesium and iron.	Generally higher mineral content due to minimal processing.
Heavy Metals	Tested higher for heavy metals like lead in some reports.	Reputable brands often test for heavy metals and may have lower levels.
Best For	Baking, classic hot cocoa, and recipes where a traditional cocoa flavor is desired.	Smoothies, raw desserts, and preparations where retaining maximum nutrients is the goal.

How to Incorporate 100% Cacao into Your Diet

For those looking to maximize the health benefits, here are some ways to use both Hershey's cocoa and other 100% cacao products:

Baked Goods: Use Hershey's 100% Cacao in brownies, cakes, and cookies for a rich, classic chocolate flavor.
Smoothies: Blend raw cacao powder or a small amount of Hershey's into smoothies for an antioxidant boost.
Hot Chocolate: Create a warm beverage with Hershey's cocoa, milk (or plant-based milk), and a natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
Oatmeal and Yogurt: Sprinkle grated 100% cacao onto your breakfast for a deep chocolatey flavor.
Savory Dishes: Use a small amount of 100% cacao to add depth and richness to savory dishes like chili con carne or mole sauce.
Energy Balls: Combine cacao powder with dates, nuts, and seeds for a healthy, energizing snack.
DIY Chocolate Bark: Melt 100% unsweetened chocolate and mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a simple, healthy treat.

Conclusion

So, is Hershey's 100% cacao good for you? The answer is a nuanced 'yes, but...'. As an unsweetened cocoa powder, it provides a substantial dose of antioxidants and minerals, offering heart-healthy and mood-boosting benefits. However, because it is processed at high temperatures, it has a lower nutritional value than raw cacao powder. Additionally, past reports have raised concerns about heavy metal levels in the product, making quality a factor to consider. While it is a good, accessible option for adding chocolate flavor to baked goods, those seeking the highest nutritional density may want to consider raw, minimally-processed cacao from brands that prioritize heavy metal testing. Ultimately, incorporating any pure cocoa or cacao in moderation, and as part of a balanced diet, is the key to reaping its potential health rewards.

Final Recommendations

For most baking needs, Hershey's 100% Cacao is a reliable and inexpensive option. However, for maximum nutritional intake, such as in raw applications like smoothies, consider investing in a high-quality, raw cacao powder from a brand known for its purity. Regardless of the brand, always check for heavy metal testing and certification for a safer, healthier experience.

How to Use Pure Cacao for Optimal Health

To get the most out of your 100% cacao, use it in recipes that avoid high heat, as high temperatures can degrade some of the beneficial flavanols. Adding it to smoothies, homemade energy bars, or sprinkling it over yogurt or oatmeal are great ways to enjoy its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. For baking, Hershey's remains a perfectly good option for that classic cocoa taste, but don't assume all cocoa products are created equal when it comes to health.

Always consume in moderation and remember that pure cacao is naturally bitter, so you may need to add a small amount of natural sweetener to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Hershey's 100% Cacao is significantly healthier than milk chocolate. Milk chocolate contains large amounts of sugar, dairy, and less cacao, which diminishes its nutritional value. The higher the cacao percentage, the greater the concentration of beneficial antioxidants and minerals.

Yes, cocoa powder, including Hershey's, can contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium absorbed from the soil. A 2023 Consumer Reports study found that a serving of Hershey's Natural Unsweetened 100% Cacao exceeded their limit for lead. It is recommended to choose brands that test their finished products for heavy metals.

Yes, you can use Hershey's 100% Cacao in smoothies. While a raw cacao powder might offer slightly more nutrients due to less processing, Hershey's is still a good, readily available option for adding chocolate flavor and antioxidants to your blended drinks.

From a nutritional standpoint, natural cocoa (like Hershey's) is generally considered better. The alkalization process used for Dutch-processed cocoa reduces its acidity but also destroys a significant portion of its beneficial flavonoids and antioxidants.

Yes, 100% cacao is naturally intense and bitter, as it contains no added sugar. This is a key reason it is used for baking or mixed with sweeteners, as its pure, raw taste can be strong.

You should store Hershey's 100% Cacao in a cool, dry place away from strong odors. Keeping it in a sealed, airtight container will help maintain its freshness and flavor for a long time.

Yes, high-heat processing can reduce the levels of certain antioxidant compounds, such as flavanols. While some benefits remain, using 100% cacao in raw applications like smoothies and cold desserts will preserve the maximum amount of nutrients.

Cacao is typically the term for raw, unroasted cocoa beans, processed at low temperatures to preserve its nutrients. Cocoa refers to beans that have been roasted at high temperatures, which gives it a milder flavor but reduces its antioxidant content. Hershey's is a processed cocoa product.