A Tale of Two Hershey’s Chocolates
For decades, the Hershey's Kiss reigned supreme as the definitive teardrop-shaped chocolate candy. Individually wrapped in aluminum foil with a paper plume, it became an American staple. In 1991, The Hershey Company introduced a complementary chocolate called the Hershey's Hugs, featuring a striped foil wrapper and a distinct flavor profile. While they share a similar shape, their internal composition and taste are entirely different, catering to different chocolate preferences. This distinction is most apparent in their ingredients, where the classic Kiss maintains a simple milk chocolate recipe, while the Hug is a more complex two-toned creation.
The Anatomy of a Hershey's Kiss
A Hershey's Kiss is a straightforward confection, made from a signature milk chocolate recipe that has been refined over more than a century.
- Classic Flavor: The taste is a creamy, sweet milk chocolate that melts smoothly in the mouth, a flavor profile that has been beloved since its debut.
- Simple Composition: Its ingredients are few, including milk chocolate, sugar, milk, and cocoa butter, creating a consistent and familiar flavor.
- Iconic Shape and Wrapper: The conical shape and simple, solid foil wrap, often silver, are instantly recognizable.
The Anatomy of a Hershey's Hug
Introduced much later than its counterpart, the Hershey's Hug is a more complex candy that offers a different textural and flavor experience.
- Dual-Tone: A Hug is characterized by a milk chocolate center, which is then 'hugged' or covered by white creme. This layering creates a distinctive contrast in both appearance and taste.
- Creamier Texture: The addition of the white creme gives the Hug a noticeably creamier mouthfeel than a traditional Kiss.
- Striped Appearance: The candy itself has brown and white stripes, which is mirrored on its foil wrapper, making it easy to distinguish from a classic Kiss.
Comparison of Hershey's Hugs and Kisses
To better understand the differences, here's a side-by-side comparison of the two candies.
| Feature | Hershey's Hugs | Hershey's Kisses |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Flavor | Milk chocolate and white creme | Milk chocolate |
| Composition | Milk chocolate center with a striped white creme coating | Solid milk chocolate |
| Texture | Creamier and softer due to the layered white creme | Consistent, classic milk chocolate texture |
| Appearance | Striped with brown and white chocolate, mirrored on the foil | Solid color, classic teardrop shape |
| Year Introduced | 1991 | 1907 |
| Wrapper | Striped foil (e.g., silver with red or green) | Solid colored foil (most commonly silver) |
The Verdict: Which is for You?
The choice between Hugs and Kisses often comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a pure, classic, and consistent milk chocolate flavor, the Kiss is your go-to. It's the original, time-tested recipe that has satisfied generations. However, if you enjoy a more complex, multi-textured experience with the combination of both milk chocolate and a sweeter, creamier white creme, the Hug is the perfect alternative. The Hug appeals to those who appreciate a slightly richer, more decadent candy with a bit more flavor complexity than the standard Kiss. Many find the contrast between the two chocolate types to be more interesting and indulgent.
For bakers, the choice can also depend on the desired outcome. A Kiss is ideal for a consistent milk chocolate flavor, such as in classic peanut butter blossom cookies. A Hug can add a unique visual and flavor twist to a recipe, introducing the complementary note of white creme. The striped wrapper of the Hugs also adds a decorative element, particularly during holidays.
Beyond the Basics: Variations and Trends
Both Hugs and Kisses have seen various limited-edition and permanent flavor variations over the years, further expanding their respective universes. Kisses have included everything from Special Dark to Filled with Caramel, while Hugs have also experimented with flavors like almonds. This innovation keeps the product lines fresh and continues to surprise consumers with new flavor combinations. Ultimately, the core difference remains the distinctive composition: one is a single, classic milk chocolate, while the other is a delicious combination of milk chocolate and white creme, creating a delightful textural and flavor contrast that sets them apart.
Conclusion
While they may look similar from a distance, the difference between Hugs and Kisses Hershey's chocolate is clear upon closer inspection. The classic Hershey's Kiss is pure milk chocolate, a straightforward and timeless treat. The Hershey's Hug, on the other hand, is a layered confection with a milk chocolate center and a coating of white creme, resulting in a creamier texture and a more complex flavor profile. This distinction in ingredients, flavor, and texture means there’s a perfect Hershey's candy for every chocolate lover, whether you prefer the original classic or the sweeter, striped alternative.
For more information on the history of Hershey's chocolates, you can visit the official Hershey Community Archives.
Can you bake with Hugs and Kisses chocolates?
Yes, both Hugs and Kisses are excellent for baking, most famously in peanut butter blossom cookies. The main difference will be in the final flavor profile and appearance, with Hugs adding a swirl of white creme to the chocolate.
Are Hugs and Kisses gluten-free?
Hershey's often changes its product formulations, so it's best to check the most current packaging for specific dietary information regarding gluten-free status.
Do Hugs and Kisses come in different flavors?
Yes, both the Hugs and Kisses product lines have featured numerous limited-edition and seasonal flavors over the years, such as candy cane, caramel, and almond, in addition to their classic versions.
Which one is sweeter, Hugs or Kisses?
Hugs are generally perceived as sweeter than classic Kisses because of the addition of the sugary white creme layer, which enhances the overall sweetness.
Where can I find Hugs and Kisses?
Both candies are widely available at grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers. Assortment bags containing both are also commonly sold.
Why are they called Hugs and Kisses?
While the exact origin is somewhat anecdotal, the name for Kisses is said to come from the sound the machine makes when depositing the chocolate. Hugs were named to complement Kisses, with the white creme 'hugging' the milk chocolate.
Is the white creme on Hugs actual white chocolate?
According to Hershey's, the coating is typically referred to as 'white creme', not 'white chocolate', due to the specific ingredients used in its formulation.
