What are the ingredients in Oh Henry chocolate?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to The Candy Encyclopedia Wiki, the Oh Henry! bar was first introduced in 1920 by the Williamson Candy Company of Chicago. What are the ingredients in Oh Henry chocolate, and how have they changed over time and across countries?

Quick Summary

This article explains the different recipes for the American and Canadian Oh Henry! candy bars, detailing the key ingredients like peanuts, caramel, fudge, and their specific coatings. It also addresses significant differences in composition and structure, plus important allergen information.

Key Points

Classic Components: The bar combines peanuts, caramel, fudge, and a chocolatey coating, though the American version is layered and discontinued while the Canadian version has a fudge center.
U.S. vs. Canada Recipe: The U.S. recipe, last from Ferrara, contained milk chocolate, roasted peanuts, corn syrup, and egg whites, while the Canadian Hershey recipe uses a chocolatey coating, modified oils, and modified milk ingredients.
Allergen Information: Both versions contain major allergens including peanuts, milk, and soy; the U.S. version also contained egg whites.
Modified Fats and Oils: The Canadian bar uses modified palm and vegetable oils, a common practice in modern confectionary for texture and shelf life.
Historical Context: The American Oh Henry! was discontinued by Ferrara around 2019, while the Canadian version, produced by Hershey, continues to be widely available.

The Core Components of Oh Henry!

The Oh Henry! candy bar is a classic confection, but it's important to recognize there have been two distinct versions over its history: the original American version (largely discontinued and now a cult classic) and the ongoing Canadian version. While both share a similar flavor profile involving peanuts, caramel, and fudge, the specific ingredients and assembly differ significantly.

Ingredients in the Original U.S. Oh Henry!

The American Oh Henry!, prior to its discontinuation in 2019, was produced by Ferrara Candy Company. This bar featured a two-bar format with a neat layering of chocolate, peanuts, and a sweet filling. The {Link: Ferrara Candy Company https://www.ferrarausa.com/our-brands/oh-henry.html} listed milk chocolate, corn syrup, roasted peanuts, and sugar among its ingredients for this version.

Ingredients in the Canadian Oh Henry!

The Canadian version of the Oh Henry! bar, produced by Hershey, remains widely available. This bar has a different internal structure, featuring a chewy fudge center surrounded by caramel and crunchy peanuts. Its ingredient list from {Link: Hersheyland Canada https://www.hersheyland.ca/en_ca/products/oh-henry-chocolatey-candy-bar-58-g.html} includes various sugars, peanuts, modified palm and vegetable oils, modified milk ingredients, and a chocolatey coating.

Allergen Information

Understanding the ingredients is important for those with allergies. Both the American and Canadian bars contain several common allergens. Peanuts are a primary component. Both bars also contain milk derivatives and soy lecithin. The discontinued American version specifically listed egg whites. Always check the packaging for the most current allergen details.

Comparison of U.S. vs. Canadian Oh Henry!

The U.S. and Canadian Oh Henry! bars have notable differences in composition and structure:


Feature	U.S. (Ferrara, Discontinued)	Canadian (Hershey, Current)
Coating	Milk Chocolate	Chocolatey Coating
Internal Structure	Layered, 2-bar format	Fudge center, surrounded by caramel and peanuts
Added Sugars	Lists “High Fructose Corn Syrup” alongside others	Lists various sugars including corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and dextrose
Primary Fat Source	Milkfat, Coconut Oil	Modified Palm and Vegetable Oils (Shea, Sunflower, Safflower)
Flavoring	Vanillin (artificial) and Natural Flavor	Artificial Flavour
Unique Ingredients	Egg Whites, TBHQ, Citric Acid	Invertase, Disodium Phosphate

The Oh Henry! Legacy and Variations

While the American Oh Henry! is no longer produced, the Canadian version and other variations continue to be enjoyed. Hershey in Canada also produces a Reese's Peanut Butter Oh Henry!, which adds Reese's peanut butter to the classic components. These variations highlight the brand's ability to adapt its beloved recipe.

Key Ingredients Across Oh Henry! Varieties

Peanuts: A consistent feature providing crunch and flavor.
Sugars: A blend of various sugars creates sweetness and texture for caramel and fudge.
Chocolatey Coating: Provides the essential chocolate flavor.
Fudge/Caramel: Contributes to the creamy and chewy texture.
Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: Ingredients like soy lecithin and modified oils help maintain texture and shelf life.

Conclusion

Examining what are the ingredients in Oh Henry chocolate reveals the key differences between the American and Canadian versions. Both feature peanuts, caramel, fudge, and a chocolatey coating, but the specific components and structure vary by origin and manufacturer. Consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions, should always check the product packaging for the most accurate information. The enduring popularity of Oh Henry! is a testament to its satisfying combination of textures and flavors. For more information about classic candies, you can visit {Link: The Candy Encyclopedia Wiki https://the-candy-encyclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Oh_Henry!}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The classic American Oh Henry! bar was discontinued around 2019. Some specialty stores may import the Canadian version, which is still produced by Hershey and available for sale.

The American bar, when it was available, was layered and came in a two-bar format. The current Canadian version features a fudge center surrounded by caramel and peanuts.

The discontinued American version listed milk chocolate as an ingredient. The current Canadian version, due to different chocolate standards, is labeled as having a 'chocolatey coating' rather than milk chocolate.

The main allergens include peanuts, milk, and soy, which are present in both the American and Canadian formulations. The U.S. version also included egg whites.

Yes, in Canada, Hershey produces a Reese's Peanut Butter Oh Henry! bar, which incorporates Reese's famous peanut butter into the classic recipe.

In Canada, the Oh Henry! bar is manufactured by The Hershey Company. In the United States, rights for the discontinued version were last held by Ferrara Candy Company.

Yes, modified palm and vegetable oils are common in the modern confectionery industry. They are used for achieving the desired texture, mouthfeel, and extending the product's shelf life.