Hershey's Officially Certified Vegan Line
In recent years, The Hershey Company has formally introduced a lineup of products specifically marketed as vegan. These items use oat-based ingredients and are clearly labeled, making them the safest bet for anyone following a strict vegan diet. Always check the packaging for the most current information and to ensure you have a certified vegan product.
Current Hershey's Plant-Based Offerings
- HERSHEY'S Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt: This bar uses oat flour to achieve a rich and creamy texture without any dairy. It is non-GMO Project Verified and a reliable choice for vegans who miss a classic milk chocolate-style bar.
- REESE'S Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups: A dairy-free version of the iconic candy, this treat features the same beloved peanut butter center surrounded by a plant-based oat chocolate confection. It was a highly anticipated release and is widely available where Hershey's products are sold.
Accidentally Vegan Hershey's Products
Beyond their dedicated plant-based line, Hershey also owns several brands that produce candies which are "accidentally vegan." These products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, such as milk, gelatin, or egg whites, but they are not formally marketed as vegan. This means you should always check the ingredient label before purchasing, as recipes can change without notice.
Popular Accidentally Vegan Hershey Candies
- Twizzlers: Many varieties of Twizzlers, including the classic Strawberry Twists and Pull 'n' Peel Cherry, are made without gelatin or dairy. While the company's official website lists specific vegan-friendly varieties, a check of the ingredient list is always recommended.
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candies and Lollipops: Most of the hard candy and lollipop varieties are free of animal products, making them a safe and sweet choice. However, beware that Jolly Rancher Chews often contain gelatin.
- Hershey's Chocolate Syrup: For a chocolate fix that goes beyond solid candy, both the regular and Sugar Free Hershey's Chocolate Syrups are confirmed to be vegan. They contain cocoa and sugar but no milk or other animal ingredients.
- Other Fruit Candies: Products like Jolly Rancher Gummies are also accidentally vegan, unlike their chewy counterparts which contain gelatin. The company's website or product packaging is the best source for verification.
Comparison of Classic vs. Vegan-Friendly Hershey Candies
| Product | Original Version | Vegan-Friendly Version(s) | Key Vegan Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Bar | Contains milk fat, milk | HERSHEY'S Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almonds & Sea Salt | Oat flour, rice flour, almonds, sea salt |
| REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups | Contains milk chocolate | REESE'S Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups | Plant-based oat chocolate, rice flour |
| HERSHEY'S Special Dark | Contains milk fat | No current vegan version by Hershey's | N/A (often mistaken as vegan, but is not) |
| TWIZZLERS | All flavors are generally vegan-friendly | Twists (Strawberry, Licorice), Pull 'n' Peel Cherry | Corn syrup, wheat flour, sugar |
| Jolly Rancher Candies | Chews contain gelatin | Hard Candies, Lollipops, Gummies | Sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavors/colors |
The Problem with Traditional Chocolate Products
Many of Hershey's traditional chocolate products, including the iconic Milk Chocolate Bar, Kisses, and Special Dark, are not vegan because they contain dairy. Special Dark, in particular, is a common source of confusion, as many assume dark chocolate is dairy-free. However, Hershey's Special Dark contains milk fat, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. The sourcing of sugar can also be a concern for some vegans, as some white sugar is processed using bone char. The only way to be certain is to look for products specifically labeled as vegan or those that use organic sugar, which is never processed with bone char.
Vegan Alternatives to Hershey's
If you can't find a Hershey's vegan product or simply want more options, many other brands offer delicious vegan alternatives. Many of these brands specialize in plant-based products and are widely available. Alternatives include:
- Chocolates: Vegan chocolate bars can be found from brands like Lindt (70%+ Cocoa Excellence), Ghirardelli (72% Cacao Twilight Delight), and Ritter Sport (select products).
- Caramel: For a vegan caramel fix, many recipes use coconut cream instead of dairy.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Beyond Reese's new plant-based version, brands like Justin's and Theo also offer vegan peanut butter cups.
By staying informed and checking labels, vegans can enjoy a variety of treats, both from Hershey's and other confectionery brands, without compromising their dietary principles.
Conclusion
The question of "what Hershey candy is vegan?" has a more satisfying answer than ever before. With the official introduction of plant-based chocolate bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, the company is catering directly to the vegan market. Additionally, classic treats like many Twizzlers and Jolly Ranchers remain accidentally vegan due to their simple, gelatin-free formulas. The key for any conscientious consumer is to always verify the ingredient list, especially with any dark chocolate product, to avoid hidden dairy. Whether you stick with Hershey's new plant-based line or explore their accidentally vegan offerings, there are now more dairy-free options available than ever before.
