What are the ingredients in mini Hershey's assortment?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Hershey's Miniatures have been a classic American candy assortment for generations, yet many consumers are unaware of the specific ingredients in each mini bar. This detailed guide breaks down the full ingredient list for all the different varieties found within the standard mini Hershey's assortment, including potential allergens.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive breakdown of the ingredients in each chocolate type found within the standard Hershey's Miniatures assortment, detailing what goes into the milk chocolate, Krackel, Mr. Goodbar, and Special Dark varieties. Specific attention is given to potential allergens like peanuts, milk, and soy for consumer safety.

Key Points

Assortment Varies: The standard mini Hershey's bag includes different candy types like Milk Chocolate, Krackel, Mr. Goodbar, and Special Dark, each with a unique ingredient list.
Milk Chocolate Base: The classic mini bar primarily contains sugar, milk, cocoa butter, milk fat, and soy lecithin for its signature flavor and texture.
Krackel's Crisp: The Krackel bar adds crisp rice, made from rice flour, to its milk chocolate base for a crunchy texture.
Mr. Goodbar and Peanuts: This miniature is distinguished by the inclusion of peanuts within the milk chocolate, adding a distinct nutty flavor.
Special Dark's Richness: The Special Dark bar uses cocoa processed with alkali, giving it a richer, less sweet flavor compared to the milk chocolate bars.
Allergy Alert: The assortment contains common allergens including milk, soy, and peanuts, making it unsafe for those with specific sensitivities.
Read Labels: Due to potential cross-contamination and recipe variations, always check the specific product packaging for the most accurate ingredient and allergen information.

A Closer Look at the Classic Hershey's Miniatures

The assortment of mini Hershey's candy bars has been a staple in candy dishes and Halloween baskets for decades. While they are a convenient and popular treat, understanding what goes into each bite-sized piece is important for many consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Unlike a standard bar, the miniatures mix contains several distinct chocolate varieties, each with its own unique recipe and ingredient list. The most common assortment includes the classic Milk Chocolate, Krackel, Mr. Goodbar, and Special Dark bars.

The Standard Mini Hershey's Milk Chocolate

The base for many of the miniatures is Hershey's classic milk chocolate. This particular recipe is a cornerstone of the brand and is known for its distinct, slightly tangy flavor profile. The primary components are:

Sugar: The main sweetening agent that provides the familiar sugary taste.
Milk: Hershey's uses milk, skim milk, and milk fat, which contributes to its creamy texture.
Chocolate: The core cocoa ingredient that gives the bar its chocolate flavor.
Cocoa Butter: This vegetable fat provides the signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Lecithin (Soy): An emulsifier used to keep the ingredients from separating and create a smoother texture.
PGPR: Another emulsifier that improves the texture and flow properties of the chocolate during production.
Natural and Artificial Flavor: Added to enhance and define the chocolate's distinct taste.

The Ingredients in a Mini Krackel Bar

The Krackel bar is characterized by its crispy texture, which comes from the addition of puffed rice. The foundational chocolate is similar to the classic milk chocolate, but with the following key additions:

Crisp Rice: Rice flour, sugar, and malt extract are combined to create the signature crispy rice pieces.
Milk Chocolate: As with the other varieties, it includes sugar, milk, and cocoa butter.
Emulsifiers: Soy Lecithin and PGPR ensure a smooth, consistent finish despite the added rice.

The Composition of the Mr. Goodbar Miniature

For those who prefer a nutty flavor, the Mr. Goodbar provides creamy milk chocolate loaded with crunchy peanuts. The main ingredients are:

Peanuts: The most prominent ingredient beyond the chocolate, providing a savory crunch.
Milk Chocolate: The same familiar milk chocolate base found in other miniatures.
Cocoa Butter: Added for its smooth texture and melting properties.
Vegetable Oil: Often includes a blend of palm, shea, and sunflower oils.

The Richness of the Special Dark Miniature

The Special Dark bar offers a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor compared to the standard milk chocolate bars. Its ingredients are slightly different to achieve this profile:

Sugar: Still a primary ingredient, though often in different proportions than the milk chocolate.
Chocolate and Cocoa Processed with Alkali: The cocoa undergoes a process called 'Dutching' to reduce its acidity and create a darker color and richer flavor.
Cocoa Butter: Used for texture and melting characteristics.
Milk Fat: Provides a hint of creaminess to the dark chocolate.
Lecithin (Soy) and PGPR: These emulsifiers are also used in the Special Dark variety.

Allergic Considerations in the Assortment

Because the assorted bag contains multiple types of candy, it's crucial for consumers with allergies to be vigilant. The primary allergens present in the standard mini assortment include milk, soy, and peanuts due to the inclusion of Mr. Goodbar. Cross-contamination warnings are also important. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) has previously highlighted the importance of reading the packaging for the latest allergen information, especially during seasonal changes. The manufacturing process and potential cross-contact with other allergens like almonds or wheat should also be considered.

Comparison Table: Mini Hershey's Assortment Ingredients


Ingredient	Milk Chocolate	Krackel	Mr. Goodbar	Special Dark
Sugar	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Chocolate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cocoa Butter	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Milk/Milk Fat	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (Milk Fat Only)
Peanuts	No	No	Yes	No
Crisp Rice	No	Yes	No	No
Soy Lecithin	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cocoa Processed with Alkali	No	No	No	Yes
Vegetable Oil Blend	No (sometimes listed)	Yes	Yes	No

Conclusion: A Mini-Mix with Variety and Specifics

The ingredients in mini Hershey's assorted chocolate bars vary significantly depending on the specific type of candy. While the classic milk chocolate and Special Dark bars rely on different types of cocoa and fat content for their distinct flavors, the Krackel and Mr. Goodbar varieties introduce crispy rice and peanuts, respectively. This variety is what makes the assortment a perennial favorite, but it also necessitates careful label reading for those with food allergies or specific dietary needs. Understanding the individual components of each miniature piece allows for a more informed and safe indulgence. As always, for the most current and precise ingredient list, consulting the packaging is the most reliable method.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the cocoa. Special Dark uses cocoa processed with alkali for a richer, darker flavor, while the milk chocolate mini bar uses a lighter cocoa blend and more milk products.

No, the mini Hershey's assortment contains four different candy types—Milk Chocolate, Krackel, Mr. Goodbar, and Special Dark—each with its own distinct ingredients, especially with the addition of peanuts and crisp rice in some.

No, the Mr. Goodbar miniature contains peanuts, and the entire assorted bag is at risk for cross-contamination. Consumers with peanut allergies should avoid the assortment.

The crispy texture in a mini Krackel bar comes from the addition of crisp rice, which is made from ingredients like rice flour and malt extract, mixed into the milk chocolate.

PGPR (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate) is an emulsifier used in Hershey's chocolate, including the mini bars. It helps improve the chocolate's texture and makes it easier to process.

Yes, the ingredient list for many of the mini Hershey's products includes 'natural and artificial flavor,' which helps create the consistent taste.

While the Milk Chocolate and Special Dark varieties are often considered gluten-free, the Krackel bar contains malt extract from barley, making the entire assortment unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance due to shared equipment.