Quick Answer
No, Hershey’s chocolate syrup is not dairy free. Hershey’s classic chocolate syrup contains milk ingredients like nonfat milk and whey. This makes it unsuitable for people with milk allergies or who follow a vegan diet. However, Hershey’s does offer some dairy-free chocolate syrup options, like their Special Dark chocolate flavored syrup, which is vegan.
Ingredients in Hershey’s Classic Chocolate Syrup
The main ingredients in Hershey’s classic chocolate syrup are:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Corn syrup
- Water
- Cellulose gum
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Salt
- Potassium sorbate
- Sodium benzoate
- Xanthan gum
- Nonfat milk
- Whey
The two dairy-derived ingredients are nonfat milk and whey. This confirms that Hershey’s regular chocolate syrup is not vegan or dairy-free.
Whey comes from milk during the cheese making process. It contains milk proteins like lactalbumin, lactose, and casein. People with milk allergies need to avoid whey.
Nonfat milk, as the name suggests, is milk with almost no fat content. It still contains the dairy sugars and proteins found in regular whole milk.
So in summary, Hershey’s contains both whey and nonfat milk. This makes it off-limits for people avoiding milk products.
Why Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup Contains Milk
Hershey’s likely adds nonfat milk and whey to their chocolate syrup for the following reasons:
- Creaminess – Milk ingredients help create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Flavor – Whey provides a sweet, creamy flavor that people expect from milk chocolate.
- Color – The proteins in milk react with the cocoa to produce a richer brown color.
- Nutrition – Milk adds protein, calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients often lacking in kids’ diets.
- Stabilizer – The proteins in milk help stabilize the emulsion of cocoa, sugar, and water.
By adding dairy ingredients, Hershey’s creates a chocolate syrup with the taste, texture, and nutrition people expect. This makes it more appealing, especially as a kids’ drink ingredient.
However, it means the syrup is not suitable for people with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or who follow a vegan or plant-based diet.
Hershey’s Syrup Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 tablespoon (15ml) serving of Hershey’s chocolate flavored syrup:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Calcium | 22mg |
The main nutrients provided by the milk ingredients are calcium and small amounts of protein.
A single serving provides 22mg of calcium, which is 2% of the daily value. The protein content is less than 1g per serving.
So while the milk does provide some nutritional value, the main calories and carbs come from the high sugar content. There are 15g total sugars in just a tablespoon of Hershey’s chocolate syrup.
Hershey’s Syrup Ingredients List
Always read the full ingredients label when purchasing Hershey’s chocolate syrup.
Here are examples of the ingredients lists for different types of Hershey’s syrup:
Hershey’s Classic Chocolate Flavored Syrup
Ingredients: High fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, cellulose gum, natural and artificial flavor, salt, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, xanthan gum, nonfat milk, whey.
Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Flavored Syrup
Ingredients: High fructose corn syrup, water, cocoa processed with alkali, cellulose gum, salt, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, natural and artificial flavor, xanthan gum.
Hershey’s Strawberry Flavored Syrup
Ingredients: High fructose corn syrup, water, strawberry puree, natural and artificial flavors, cellulose gum, citric acid, salt, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate as preservatives, Red 40.
As you can see, the classic chocolate, special dark chocolate, and strawberry varieties have different formulations. Only the classic chocolate syrup contains milk ingredients.
Is Hershey’s Special Dark Syrup Dairy Free?
While Hershey’s regular chocolate syrup contains milk-based ingredients, their Special Dark chocolate flavored syrup does not contain milk or whey.
The ingredients list for Hershey’s Special Dark syrup is:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Water
- Cocoa processed with alkali
- Cellulose gum
- Salt
- Potassium sorbate
- Sodium benzoate
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Xanthan gum
It’s made without any dairy-derived ingredients. This makes Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate syrup suitable for vegans and people with milk allergies.
The type of cocoa used in this syrup is processed with alkali. This is known as “Dutched” cocoa and has a darker color and richer, less acidic taste than natural cocoa.
While the darker cocoa provides a more intense chocolate flavor, the lack of milk may give it a thinner, less creamy consistency. But for those avoiding milk, it’s a good dairy-free alternative to regular Hershey’s chocolate syrup.
Other Dairy Free Chocolate Sauce Options
In addition to Hershey’s Special Dark syrup, here are some other vegan chocolate sauce brands to look for:
- Santa Cruz Organic Chocolate Syrup – made with organic cocoa, cane sugar, water, natural flavors. Vegan and gluten free.
- AH!LASKA Organic Chocolate Sauce – contains organic cane sugar, filtered water, cocoa powder, sunflower lecithin. Certified USDA organic and vegan.
- Fox’s U-bet Syrup – made with high fructose corn syrup, water, cocoa, potassium sorbate. Dairy, gluten and cholesterol free.
- 365 Everyday Value Organic Chocolate Syrup – Whole Foods brand containing cocoa processed with alkali, cane sugar, water. Vegan and USDA certified organic.
- Trader Joe’s Chocolate Sauce – ingredients are cocoa processed with potassium carbonate, sugar, water, natural vanilla flavor. Does not contain milk.
These brands offer plant-based, dairy-free alternatives to Hershey’s classic chocolate syrup. They are made without milk, whey or other dairy ingredients.
Always check the label when buying chocolate syrups, as formulations can change. Homemade chocolate sauce made with coconut milk or other vegan milk is another dairy-free option.
Milk Allergies and Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Because it contains milk-derived ingredients like whey and nonfat milk, Hershey’s regular chocolate syrup is not suitable for people with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.
The proteins in milk are one of the most common food allergy triggers, especially in children. Whey contains the milk proteins casein, lactalbumin, and lactoglobulin.
Even tiny amounts of these milk proteins can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include:
- Hives, rash or itchy skin
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
In severe cases, milk allergies can cause anaphylaxis – a life-threatening reaction requiring epinephrine.
Those with milk protein allergies must avoid any products containing milk, whey, casein or other dairy ingredients. This includes Hershey’s classic chocolate syrup.
The Special Dark chocolate syrup or other dairy-free brands are safer alternatives. But always read labels carefully and look for “dairy-free” claims when choosing chocolate syrups.
Lactose Intolerance and Hershey’s Syrup
In addition to milk allergies, lactose intolerance is another reason people may need to avoid dairy products like Hershey’s chocolate syrup.
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase – the enzyme needed to properly digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Undigested lactose passes through the intestines, triggering unpleasant symptoms like:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
The amount of lactose that causes problems varies greatly. While some lactose intolerant people can tolerate small amounts from chocolate or other products, others need to fully eliminate lactose from their diet.
For people with severe lactose intolerance, Hershey’s classic syrup is likely to cause gastrointestinal symptoms due to its whey and nonfat milk content.
Again, the Special Dark chocolate syrup or dairy-free brands are less likely to cause issues. When in doubt, choose syrups marked as being lactose-free.
Vegan Chocolate Syrup Options
Vegans also need to avoid Hershey’s regular chocolate syrup, as it contains ingredients derived from animals (milk).
Here are good vegan alternatives to Hershey’s classic chocolate syrup:
- Santa Cruz Organic Chocolate Syrup – organic, dairy-free and gluten-free. Made with fair trade cocoa.
- Trader Joe’s Chocolate Sauce – gluten-free and vegan. Only five simple ingredients.
- Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – allergy-friendly and plant-based. Use melted as a syrup.
- Nestle Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – dairy-free dark chocolate chips. Melt with coconut milk for homemade sauce.
- Nutiva Coconut Milk – blend with cocoa and sweetener for creamy dairy-free chocolate syrup.
With some easy ingredient swaps, vegans can still enjoy chocolate syrup on ice cream, waffles, pancakes and other treats. Read labels carefully and look for “dairy-free” and “vegan” claims when shopping.
Is Hershey’s Syrup Gluten Free?
Hershey’s chocolate syrup is considered gluten free, as it does not contain any wheat, barley or rye ingredients. The regular, Special Dark and strawberry varieties are all labeled as gluten free foods.
Gluten refers to the proteins found in grains like wheat, rye and barley. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity require a 100% gluten-free diet.
Even small amounts of gluten from contaminated products can cause issues like:
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea, constipation, nausea
- Headaches and fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Joint pain
When checking ingredient lists for gluten, watch out for:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
- Some oats (if contaminated with gluten grains)
Hershey’s chocolate syrup does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten sources. The corn syrup is made from corn, not from wheat or other gluten grains.
So Hershey’s chocolate syrup can generally be considered a gluten-free and celiac-safe option. However, check the label each time you purchase it to ensure the formulation has not changed.
Look for credible gluten-free certifications from organizations like the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization). This provides added assurance that products like Hershey’s chocolate syrup are safe for gluten-free diets.
High Fructose Corn Syrup in Hershey’s Syrup
While Hershey’s chocolate syrup is gluten-free, it does contain high levels of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
HFCS is one of the main sweeteners used in Hershey’s chocolate syrup, along with regular corn syrup. Here’s a look at the HFCS content per serving:
| Serving Size | HFCS Content |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp (15ml) | 9g |
| 1/4 cup (60ml) | 36g |
| 1/2 cup (120ml) | 72g |
So in a typical syrup serving of 2 tablespoons, you’d get around 18g of added high fructose corn syrup.
HFCS is chemically similar to table sugar but contains a higher ratio of fructose. It’s been linked to increased obesity, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk in some studies.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons (25g) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (38g) for men. Just a couple tablespoons of chocolate syrup nearly exceeds this limit.
Those looking to reduce added sugars may want to use Hershey’s syrup moderately or find less sweet alternatives. Unsweetened cocoa powder with stevia or small amounts of pure maple syrup are lower-sugar ways to add chocolate flavor.
Making Homemade Chocolate Syrup
As a more nutritious alternative to store-bought brands, you can also make healthy chocolate syrup at home. Here is a simple recipe:
Dairy-Free Chocolate Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Whisk together the cocoa powder and coconut milk in a small saucepan until smooth.
- Heat over medium, whisking frequently, until steaming and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the maple syrup, vanilla and salt.
- Allow to cool before using as a chocolate syrup topping.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
You can adjust the cocoa powder and syrup to your preferred sweetness and chocolate intensity. Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil makes it creamier.
Homemade chocolate syrup allows you to control the quality of ingredients. It skips the high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors found in commercial brands.
Conclusion
Hershey’s regular chocolate syrup is not dairy or vegan friendly. It contains milk-based ingredients like nonfat milk and whey.
The Special Dark chocolate flavored syrup provides a dairy-free option for vegans and those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.
Other brands like Santa Cruz, Trader Joe’s and Enjoy Life also offer dairy-free, vegan chocolate syrups. Check labels closely to avoid milk ingredients.
Making your own healthy chocolate syrup with coconut milk and cocoa is another alternative to support plant-based or restricted diets. Limiting added sugars is also recommended due to Hershey’s high high fructose corn syrup content.
Overall, Hershey’s classic chocolate syrup is not suitable for dairy-free or vegan diets due to containing milk. But some specialty syrups and homemade options provide ways to enjoy chocolate syrup without the dairy.
