A Tale of Two Components: Chocolate and Cherry Creme
To understand the full ingredient profile of Hershey's Cherry Cordial Kisses, it is important to look at the candy as two distinct parts: the outer milk chocolate shell and the vibrant, flavored creme filling. The specific components, from sweeteners to colorants, work together to create the familiar and festive flavor.
The Milk Chocolate Shell
The milk chocolate that encases the cherry creme is consistent with Hershey's classic recipe, providing the familiar creamy flavor. The ingredients for this part primarily include sugar, milk, cocoa butter, and chocolate, along with lactose, milk fat, and the emulsifiers lecithin (soy) and PGPR (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate) to ensure a smooth texture. Natural flavor, such as vanilla, is also included to enhance the chocolate taste.
The Cherry Cordial Creme Filling
Nestled inside the milk chocolate shell is the signature cherry-flavored creme filling. This part contains the majority of the artificial and preservative ingredients. The filling is made with sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup for sweetness and liquid consistency. Sorbitol helps retain moisture, while potassium sorbate acts as a preservative. Invertase, an enzyme, is included to create the liquid center over time. The cherry cordial taste comes from natural and artificial flavors, with citric acid adding a tart note and also acting as a preservative. Artificial colors Red 40 and Yellow 6 provide the distinct cherry-red appearance.
Comparing Cherry Cordial Kisses to Classic Kisses
The key differences between the seasonal Cherry Cordial Kiss and the standard Milk Chocolate Kiss lie almost entirely in the addition of the creme filling and its associated ingredients. The table below highlights these compositional differences.
| Ingredient Category | Cherry Cordial Kisses | Classic Milk Chocolate Kisses |
|---|---|---|
| Main Components | Milk Chocolate Shell, Cherry Cordial Creme | Solid Milk Chocolate |
| Sweeteners | Sugar, Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sorbitol | Sugar |
| Emulsifiers | Lecithin (Soy), PGPR | Lecithin (Soy), PGPR |
| Flavors | Natural & Artificial Flavor | Natural Flavor (e.g., Vanillin) |
| Colors | Artificial Color (Red 40, Yellow 6) | None |
| Preservatives | Potassium Sorbate | None |
| Enzymes | Invertase | None |
Potential Allergens and Considerations
Hershey's Cherry Cordial Kisses contain milk and soy due to the milk chocolate and soy lecithin. The product is also made on equipment that processes almonds, posing a cross-contamination risk for individuals with nut allergies. Consumers who prefer to avoid artificial colors and flavors should also note their presence in the cherry creme filling.
The Purpose of Invertase in the Filling
Invertase is an enzyme added to the cherry cordial creme during manufacturing. Initially, the filling is a solid or semi-solid paste. Over time, invertase breaks down the sucrose into glucose and fructose, a process called 'inversion.' This process results in the desired syrupy, liquid center characteristic of cordial candies, contributing to the unique texture of the Cherry Cordial Kiss.
Conclusion
Hershey's Cherry Cordial Kisses are a distinct seasonal treat with ingredients that create their unique flavor and texture. The outer layer is classic Hershey's milk chocolate, while the inner filling is a sweet, artificially flavored, and colored cherry creme. The use of ingredients like corn syrup, invertase, and artificial colors distinguishes this seasonal variety from the standard Milk Chocolate Kiss. Understanding what are the ingredients in Hershey's cherry kisses provides insight into the confectionery science behind this popular holiday candy. For the most current ingredient information, it is always recommended to check the product packaging or the official Hersheyland website.
Hersheyland.com offers detailed product information on their seasonal Kisses.
