# Hersheys Chocolate Syrup - Special Dark > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** HERSHEY'S - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Beverages - **Size:** 22 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hersheys-hersheys-chocolate-syrup-special-dark-22-oz - **Slug:** `hersheys-hersheys-chocolate-syrup-special-dark-22-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple refined sweeteners (high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, sugar), emulsifiers, stabilizers and artificial flavoring, characteristic of ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4). The ingredient list and formulation prioritize convenience, long shelf life and sensory appeal over whole ingredients. ## Review HERSHEY'S Special Dark Chocolate Syrup is the familiar squeezable bottle you’ll find in the baking and toppings aisle, shelved with pancake syrups, ice cream toppings and coffee mix-ins. Shoppers often spot it near cocoa, dessert sauces and breakfast condiments rather than with fresh dairy. It reads like an all-purpose dessert enhancer: drizzle over ice cream, swirl into cold milk for instant chocolate milk, stir into coffee or use as a cake and brownie finishing touch. The brand leans on decades of American candyhouse recognition — a family-friendly, nostalgic snack-brand aura aimed at parents, home bakers and anyone after an easy sweet fix. Label cues include a “fat free” callout and “no artificial colors,” which create a light health-halo despite a long ingredient list; the bottle styling is plain and recognizable rather than kid-character driven. Sensory notes: a glossy, pourable syrup with a viscous, smooth texture; Special Dark uses Dutch-processed cocoa so the aroma and flavor are deeper and less acidic than standard chocolate syrup, but the taste is clearly very sweet. The ritual is tactile and quick — squeeze, swirl, dot or drizzle directly from the plastic bottle onto sundaes, cakes or into milk. Packaging is a closeable, squeezable plastic bottle meant for fridge storage after opening. Processing context: this is a highly processed pantry product made largely from refined sweeteners and added emulsifiers and stabilizers. In American grocery culture it occupies a place as an easy, comforting indulgence that’s as much about convenience and nostalgia as it is about flavor. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 33 - **Calories:** 45 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 15mg (1% DV) - **Total carbs:** 11g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 10g - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP; CORN SYRUP; WATER; COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI*; SUGAR; CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: SALT; MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES*; XANTHAN GUM; POLYSORBATE 60; VANILLIN, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR *adds a negligible amount of fat null ## Flagged ingredients - **mono- and diglycerides** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **polysorbate 60** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, movie-night, holiday-baking, back-to-school - **Vibes:** nostalgic, indulgent, comforting, convenient ## FAQ ### Is Hershey's Special Dark healthy? Well, that depends on what you mean by healthy! If you're looking for a fun treat to drizzle over ice cream or pancakes, it definitely fits the bill. But it’s not exactly a health food, as it’s high in sugar and low in nutrients. Moderation is key! ### Is Hershey's Special Dark vegan? Nope, Hershey's Special Dark isn't vegan. It contains ingredients like mono- and diglycerides, which can sometimes be derived from animal sources. So if you're avoiding all animal products, you might want to look for a different syrup. ### Is Hershey's Special Dark gluten-free? Yes, you're in the clear! Hershey's Special Dark is gluten-free, making it a safe option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. So go ahead and enjoy that chocolatey goodness without worry! ### Does Hershey's Special Dark contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in this syrup! The ingredient list is pretty straightforward, and while some processed foods use seed oils for texture, this one sticks to a simpler blend. So, you can enjoy it without that particular concern! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! Hershey's Special Dark relies on good old sugar and high fructose corn syrup for sweetness. If you're avoiding artificial ingredients, this syrup fits the bill nicely. ### Is Hershey's Special Dark high in sugar? Yes, it is! Each tablespoon packs about 10 grams of sugar, which is pretty high for a small serving. If you're keeping an eye on your sugar intake, just remember to enjoy it in moderation. ### What are healthier alternatives to Hershey's Special Dark? If you're looking for healthier options, consider using pure cocoa powder mixed with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You could also try making your own chocolate sauce at home to control the ingredients and sugar levels. It's a fun project and can be a lot tastier! ### Can kids eat Hershey's Special Dark? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy it as an occasional treat. Just keep in mind the sugar content, and maybe save it for special occasions or as a fun topping on their favorite desserts. ### Is Hershey's Special Dark good for weight loss? While it’s not a weight-loss miracle, it can fit into a balanced diet if used sparingly. Just remember that it's high in sugar, so moderation is key if you're watching your caloric intake. A drizzle can add joy without derailing your goals! ### Is Hershey's Special Dark ultra-processed? Yes, it's considered ultra-processed. The presence of high fructose corn syrup and other additives means it’s not just a simple chocolate syrup. But hey, we all indulge in a little ultra-processed fun from time to time, and it's all about balance! ## Related products - [Spindrift Lime Sparkling Water 8 Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/spindrift-lime-sparkling-water-8-pack-96-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/spindrift-lime-sparkling-water-8-pack-96-oz - [Langers No Sugar Added Cranberry Juice 64 fl oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/langers-no-sugar-added-cranberry-juice-64-fl-oz-64-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/langers-no-sugar-added-cranberry-juice-64-fl-oz-64-oz - [Ocean Spray Light Juice Drink, Cranberry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ocean-spray-light-juice-drink-cranberry-10140-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ocean-spray-light-juice-drink-cranberry-10140-oz - [Pepsi Zero Cherry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pepsi-zero-cherry-6760-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pepsi-zero-cherry-6760-oz - [Gatorade G Series Thirst Quencher, Fierce, Green Apple](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gatorade-g-series-thirst-quencher-fierce-green-apple-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gatorade-g-series-thirst-quencher-fierce-green-apple-28-oz - [Mountain Dew](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mountain-dew-4220-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mountain-dew-4220-oz - [Caffeine-Free Diet Coke Mini Can 6pk](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/diet-coke-caffeine-free-mini-can-6pk-45-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/diet-coke-caffeine-free-mini-can-6pk-45-oz - [New England Coffee K-Cups, Hazelnut Crme](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/new-england-coffee-k-cups-hazelnut-crme-480-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/new-england-coffee-k-cups-hazelnut-crme-480-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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