Is Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup Gluten-Free? The Definitive Answer

According to the official product information available on multiple retail and company sites, Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup is clearly labeled as gluten-free. This makes it a safe option for many individuals managing celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, who often have to scrutinize ingredient lists carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup is confirmed gluten-free, with no gluten-containing ingredients listed. It is produced to meet FDA gluten-free labeling standards, making it safe for a gluten-free diet.

Key Points

• Yes, it's gluten-free: Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup is explicitly labeled and confirmed to be gluten-free.

• Meets FDA standards: The product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is the FDA standard for a gluten-free claim.

• No gluten ingredients: A review of the ingredient list shows no wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains.

• Hershey's official policy: The company maintains a clear policy and lists products that meet their gluten-free criteria.

• Read the label: Always check the product label for the 'gluten-free' claim and review the ingredients list to confirm its safety.

The Official Stance on Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup

For those on a gluten-free diet, verifying the status of a food product is a critical step. The good news is that Hershey's Zero Sugar Genuine Chocolate Flavored Syrup is clearly labeled by the company and retailers as gluten-free. This means it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the standard set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a product to bear a 'gluten-free' claim. The Hershey Company also provides a list of gluten-free products on its website, confirming its commitment to producing items that meet these strict dietary standards. This transparency offers peace of mind to consumers who rely on accurate product information to stay healthy.

Ingredient Analysis for Peace of Mind

An in-depth look at the ingredient list for Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup reveals why it qualifies as gluten-free. The formulation contains no wheat, barley, rye, or any other gluten-containing grains. Instead, it uses alternative ingredients and sweeteners to achieve its flavor and consistency. Here is a breakdown of the primary components:

• Water: The base of the syrup.
• Cocoa Processed With Alkali: Provides the classic chocolate flavor without gluten.
• Glycerin & Erythritol: Sugar alcohols and sweeteners used as a sugar substitute.
• Xanthan Gum: A common gluten-free thickener used to achieve the desired texture.
• Natural & Artificial Flavor: Flavoring agents that do not contain gluten.
• Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate): Used to maintain freshness.
• Sucralose & Acesulfame Potassium: Additional non-caloric artificial sweeteners.

How to Verify the Gluten-Free Label Yourself

While the company's and retailer's claims are reliable, knowing how to verify a product's gluten-free status is a valuable skill for anyone with a gluten sensitivity. The following steps can help ensure a product is safe:

1. Look for the 'Gluten-Free' Claim: The most straightforward method is to look for a clear 'gluten-free' or similar claim on the packaging. For processed foods regulated by the FDA, this label signifies a gluten content of less than 20 ppm.
2. Read the Allergen Statement: Many packages include a summary statement listing common allergens. Always check if a product 'Contains: Wheat' or 'Contains: Gluten'. The Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup label explicitly states it does not contain any of the 8 major allergens.
3. Review the Ingredients List: Scan the full list for any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, malt, or brewer's yeast. The ingredients in Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup do not include these items.
4. Check for Cross-Contamination Warnings: Some products, especially those not specifically labeled gluten-free, may have a 'may contain' warning. Because Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup carries a dedicated gluten-free label, this is not a concern for this specific product.

Comparison Table: Regular vs. Zero Sugar Chocolate Syrup

For those curious about the differences between the two products, here is a quick comparison focusing on their ingredients and dietary attributes.

Feature	Hershey's Regular Chocolate Syrup	Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup
Gluten-Free Status	Generally considered gluten-free, but always check the label.	Explicitly labeled and advertised as gluten-free.
Sugar	Contains high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup.	Contains sugar alcohols (Erythritol) and artificial sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium).
Calories (per 1 tbsp)	Around 45 calories.	5 calories.
Fat	Generally low fat.	Fat-free.
Primary Sweeteners	High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup.	Erythritol, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium.
Kosher	Yes.	Yes.

Hershey's Commitment to Transparency

The Hershey Company has a clear policy regarding its gluten-free products, which provides reassurance to the gluten-free community. The company states that a food bearing a gluten-free claim must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, in accordance with FDA regulations. They also provide a list of many of their products that are gluten-free, helping consumers make informed choices. For up-to-date and authoritative information, consulting the company's official dietary information page is the best practice. You can find more details on their approach to dietary needs on Hershey's official gluten-free page.

Conclusion

The verdict is clear: Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup is gluten-free. The product's label and ingredient list, along with Hershey's explicit company policy regarding gluten-free labeling, provide strong evidence that it is safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. By understanding how to read food labels and recognizing the company's commitment to ingredient transparency, consumers can confidently enjoy this product without worry. As always, for any dietary need, it is recommended to review the label for any changes in ingredients before consumption, but this product has a solid track record of being a reliable gluten-free option. For those seeking other options, several gluten-free chocolate syrup alternatives are also available through homemade recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup safe for people with celiac disease?

Yes, because Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup is labeled and confirmed as gluten-free, it meets FDA standards and is considered safe for most individuals with celiac disease.

Does the regular Hershey's chocolate syrup contain gluten?

Hershey's generally considers its standard chocolate syrup gluten-free, but it is always best to check the most current label and refer to the company's official list of gluten-free products for confirmation.

How can I be sure about cross-contamination with gluten-free products?

For products explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' by a reputable company like Hershey's, the risk of cross-contamination is considered minimal, as they must meet FDA standards. If you are highly sensitive, checking the ingredients and allergen information is recommended.

What are the main ingredients in Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup?

The main ingredients include water, cocoa processed with alkali, glycerin, erythritol, natural and artificial flavors, xanthan gum, and preservatives, but no gluten-containing components.

Are all zero-sugar products from Hershey's gluten-free?

No, not all zero-sugar products are automatically gluten-free. It is essential to check the label of each specific product for the gluten-free claim, as ingredients and processing methods can vary.

Is the cocoa used in the syrup gluten-free?

Yes, the cocoa processed with alkali used in Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup is naturally gluten-free and does not contain any gluten-containing grains.

Where can I find an official list of gluten-free Hershey's products?

Hershey's maintains a list of its gluten-free products on its official company website under the dietary needs section.