Hershey’s chocolate syrup is made with real cocoa, which means it does contain elements found in chocolate. However, it is not the same as eating a bar of chocolate. Hershey’s chocolate syrup contains high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, cocoa, potassium sorbate, salt, mono and diglycerides, xanthan gum, polysorbate 60, vanillin, and natural flavor. So while it has some chocolate ingredients like cocoa, it also has a lot of added sugars and thickeners.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about Hershey’s chocolate syrup:
- Is Hershey’s chocolate syrup made from real chocolate? Yes, it contains cocoa powder which comes from cacao beans used to make chocolate.
- Does Hershey’s chocolate syrup contain dairy? No, it is dairy-free and vegan.
- Why doesn’t Hershey’s chocolate syrup taste like chocolate bars? It has more sugar and less cocoa butter than chocolate bars, giving it a sweeter taste.
- Is Hershey’s chocolate syrup healthy? No, it is high in added sugars and low in nutrients compared to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed cocoa.
Ingredients in Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients in Hershey’s chocolate syrup:
Cocoa
The cocoa powder in Hershey’s syrup comes from cacao beans that have been roasted, shelled, and processed into a powder. This provides some chocolate flavor and nutrients like antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber. However, the cocoa percentage is likely low compared to dark chocolate.
Sugar
Hershey’s chocolate syrup gets its sweetness from two types of added sugar – high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup. Together, sugar makes up over half the ingredients. This gives Hershey’s syrup a very sweet, sugary taste compared to unsweetened cocoa.
Water
Water allows Hershey’s chocolate syrup to have a thinner, pourable consistency unlike solid chocolate. The syrup consistency comes from water making up the bulk of the liquid.
Preservatives
Potassium sorbate is added as a preservative to give Hershey’s chocolate syrup a longer shelf life and prevent mold growth. This replaces the need for actual cocoa butter, which naturally preserves chocolate.
Thickeners
Xanthan gum and polysorbate 60 help thicken Hershey’s chocolate syrup so it has a smooth, velvety texture instead of being thin and runny.
Emulsifiers
Mono and diglycerides allow Hershey’s chocolate syrup to mix smoothly into milk without separating. They prevent the cocoa solids and liquid components from separating.
Flavorings
Vanillin provides some vanilla flavor to Hershey’s chocolate syrup. Natural flavors also help enhance the chocolate taste profile.
Nutrition Comparison to Chocolate
Here is a nutrition comparison between Hershey’s chocolate syrup and actual chocolate to show how they differ:
| Nutrient | Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup (2 tbsp) | Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 120 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 4.5g |
| Sodium | 25mg | 10mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g | 13g |
| Sugars | 23g | 9g |
| Protein | 0g | 1g |
As you can see, Hershey’s chocolate syrup is higher in added sugars, lower in fat, and lacks protein compared to real chocolate chips. The sugars come from high fructose corn syrup rather than cocoa butter.
How Hershey’s Syrup is Made
Here is an overview of how Hershey’s chocolate syrup is manufactured:
- Cocoa powder, sugar, corn syrup and other ingredients are mixed together in large vats.
- The mixture is pasteurized to kill any bacteria and heated to dissolve the ingredients.
- Emulsifiers and thickeners are added to give the syrup a smooth consistency.
- Flavorings like vanilla or salt are added for taste.
- The syrup is pumped into bottles, cans or bags and packaged.
- The finished chocolate syrup is shipped out to grocery stores and restaurants.
- To make chocolate milk, about 2 tablespoons of syrup is simply added to 8 ounces of milk and stirred.
So while it contains somecocoa, Hershey’s chocolate syrup has a very different production process than chocolate bars or chips. The added sugars and thickeners allow it to dissolve easily into milk.
The History of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Hershey’s chocolate syrup first originated in 1926 and was sold as “Hershey’s Syrup” up until 1970s. Here is a brief timeline:
- 1926 – Hershey’s Syrup is introduced as an affordable, mass-produced chocolate syrup.
- 1930s – Hershey’s Syrup begins being marketed for making chocolate milk and sodas.
- 1940s – Sales of Hershey’s Syrup rise as it becomes popular in ice cream parlors and soda fountains.
- 1950s – Hershey’s Syrup starts being stocked in grocery stores for consumers to make chocolate milk at home.
- 1970s – The name is changed to “Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup” and packaging is updated.
- 1990s – Low fat and sugar free versions of Hershey’s Syrup are introduced.
- Today – Original Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup remains a beloved kitchen staple.
Hershey’s revolutionized pre-made chocolate syrup, making it affordable and consistently available for restaurants, soda fountains, and eventually the mass consumer market. It became iconic in ice cream sundaes and chocolate milk.
Common Uses of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Here are some of the most popular ways that Hershey’s chocolate syrup is used:
Chocolate Milk
Hershey’s Syrup is probably most famously used for making chocolate milk – just add 2 tablespoons of syrup to an 8oz glass of cold milk and stir. It quickly emulsifies into chocolatey, sweet milk. Chocolate milk is a popular beverage for kids and adults alike.
Ice Cream Sundaes
Drizzled over vanilla ice cream, Hershey’s syrup is a key ingredient in ice cream sundaes, along with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top. The syrup hardens slightly when frozen, allowing it to coat ice cream in a chocolate shell.
Milkshakes
Hershey’s chocolate syrup is commonly used in chocolate milkshakes along with chocolate ice cream and milk. The syrup adds a boost of chocolate flavor and sweetness. Thick milkshakes require extra syrup to flavor them.
Baking
You can use Hershey’s chocolate syrup in baking recipes like cakes, brownies, and chocolate frosting. Replace up to half the cocoa powder with syrup in recipes for added moisture, sweetness and chocolate flavor.
Drinks
Hershey’s chocolate syrup can be drizzled into coffee drinks like mochas. It’s also great for making homemade chocolate sodas by adding syrup to carbonated water or seltzer.
Benefits of Cocoa
Despite the added sugars, one benefit of Hershey’s chocolate syrup is that it does contain some natural cocoa, which provides health benefits including:
- Antioxidants – Cocoa is high in antioxidant flavanols that can help reduce oxidative cell damage and lower disease risk.
- Heart health – The flavanols in cocoa can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
- Brain function – Cocoa flavanols may improve blood flow to the brain and support cognition.
- Mood – Compounds in cocoa may boost serotonin and endorphin levels to improve mood.
- Skin health – Antioxidants in cocoa can protect skin from sun damage and improve hydration.
- Blood sugar – Cocoa may help regulate insulin secretion and improve blood sugar control.
So while Hershey’s syrup is high in sugar, the cocoa itself provides protective compounds not found in many other sweeteners.
Downsides of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
However, there are also some downsides to keep in mind if regularly consuming Hershey’s chocolate syrup:
- High in added sugar – Hershey’s syrup mostly contains added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, with minimal natural cocoa.
- Minimal nutrients – Besides cocoa, Hershey’s syrup lacks beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Blood sugar spikes – The high added sugar content can rapidly raise blood sugar levels.
- Tooth decay – The sugars may increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay if consumed frequently.
- Weight gain – The added sugars add calories without satiety, possibly leading to weight gain.
- Gut issues – Too much added sugar may disrupt healthy gut bacteria levels.
- Liver strain – Excess fructose from high sugar foods must be processed by the liver.
Overall, minimally processed chocolate or cocoa powder would be healthier choices than Hershey’s chocolate syrup, which should be consumed in moderation as an occasional treat. For kids, water or milk are better daily beverage choices.
Alternatives to Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
For a healthier chocolate syrup option, here are some alternatives to consider:
Homemade Cocoa Syrup
Make your own chocolate syrup by mixing cocoa powder with milk or water and your preferred sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Add a bit of vanilla too. Adjust ingredients to your taste.
Dark Chocolate Syrup
Look for brands that make chocolate syrup with just cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and natural sweeteners without corn syrup or preservatives.
Mocha Syrup
Try mocha flavored syrups made with cocoa and real coffee extract. Or add coffee to homemade cocoa syrup.
Carob Syrup
Carob syrup is made from the naturally sweet carob pod and contains nutrients like vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium.
Nut Butters
For chocolate milk, blend cocoa powder with nut butters like almond or peanut butter plus your preferred sweetness source. The nut butter provides protein and healthy fats.
Conclusion
Hershey’s chocolate syrup does contain real cocoa powder made from cacao beans, giving it elements of real chocolate flavor. However, it also has significant amounts of added sugar and thickening agents. The actual cocoa content is relatively low compared to the sugar. So while it can be used moderately in desserts and treats, Hershey’s syrup is considered more of a sugary condiment. For a healthier option, try homemade chocolate syrup sweetened with natural sources or look for brands made with higher cocoa content and less processed ingredients.
