# Hersheys Special Dark Chips > 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:** Cooking & Baking - **Size:** 12 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hersheys-hersheys-special-dark-chips-12-oz - **Slug:** `hersheys-hersheys-special-dark-chips-12-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product is an industrially formulated baking ingredient with added sugar and small amounts of emulsifiers/flavoring (lecithin, natural flavor) and alkali-processed cocoa, consistent with NOVA group 4 ultraprocessed foods. ## Review HERSHEY'S Special Dark Chips are a familiar staple in the baking aisle, shelved with other chocolate chips, baking cocoa, cake mixes and frostings. Packaged in a resealable 12 oz bag, the small, teardrop-shaped morsels are designed for tossing into batters, melting for drizzles or sneaking straight from the bag. The brand leans on Hershey's long-standing American chocolate heritage—an affordable, family-focused option that evokes home baking and school lunchbox treats rather than gourmet confections. You’ll find them in carts for holiday cookie batches, weekend pancake mornings or simple after-school cookie projects. The label leans into clean-ish claims: gluten-free and “no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives,” while the ingredient panel lists sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, alkali-processed cocoa, milk fat and trace additives like soy lecithin and natural flavor; there is no organic certification. In plain terms this is an industrially made baking ingredient—refined, formulated for consistency and convenience. Sensory cues are classic: a mildly sweet dark-chocolate flavor, a firm snap at room temperature that softens smoothly when warmed, and a melt that’s glossy enough for drizzles or icings. The packaging supports quick pantry storage and grab-and-go use, fitting into rituals of holiday baking marathons, last-minute dessert rescue, or a simple weekend recipe with kids. Culturally it sits between nostalgia and practicality—trusted by home bakers who want predictable results and a dependable chocolate profile without specialty sourcing or artisanal positioning. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 23 - **Calories:** 70 - **Total fat:** 4.5g (6% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3g (15% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 9g (3% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 8g - **Added sugars:** 8g (16% DV) - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients SUGAR; CHOCOLATE; COCOA BUTTER; COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI; MILK FAT; CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: LECITHIN (SOY); NATURAL FLAVOR; MILK ## Flagged ingredients - **lecithin (soy)** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** holiday-baking, movie-night, weekend-brunch - **Vibes:** indulgent, nostalgic, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Special Dark Chips healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective! These chips are rich in flavor, but they do contain added sugars and fats, so if you're looking for something to snack on without the sweet kick, they might not hit the mark. However, a small sprinkle can elevate your desserts, so think of them as an indulgence rather than a health food. ### Are Special Dark Chips vegan? Nope, these chips are not vegan-friendly. They contain milk fat, which means they’re off the table for our plant-based pals. So if you're following a vegan diet, you might want to explore some dairy-free chocolate options instead! ### Are Special Dark Chips gluten-free? Yes! These chips are gluten-free, making them a great addition to your baking or snacking without worrying about gluten. Just keep an eye on other ingredients in recipes to ensure everything stays gluten-free! ### Do Special Dark Chips contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils lurking in these chips. They stick to a simpler ingredient list, which is great if you're trying to avoid those oils often found in processed foods. It's all about chocolate, cocoa butter, and a bit of milk fat here! ### Are there artificial sweeteners in Special Dark Chips? Not at all! These chips are sweetened with good ol’ sugar, so you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in the mix. It’s nice to know what you’re getting, right? ### Are Special Dark Chips high in sugar? They do contain sugar, but at about 8 grams per tablespoon, they aren't off-the-charts high. If you’re mindful of your sugar intake, just keep portion sizes in check, and remember, a little goes a long way in baking! ### What are some healthier alternatives to Special Dark Chips? If you're looking for something with less sugar or dairy, consider using dark chocolate chips that are dairy-free or even cacao nibs for a more intense chocolate flavor with added fiber. There are also brands that offer organic or fair-trade options if you're leaning towards more ethical choices! ### Can kids eat Special Dark Chips? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy these chips, but moderation is key. They can be a fun addition to cookies or pancakes, just keep an eye on how much sugar they're consuming throughout the day! ### Are Special Dark Chips good for weight loss? While these chips can fit into a balanced diet, they’re not specifically designed for weight loss. If you're watching your calorie intake, just be mindful of how much you use, as those little chips can add up quickly. But hey, a little treat every now and then can be part of a healthy lifestyle! ### Are Special Dark Chips ultra-processed? They’re not quite in the ultra-processed category, but they are processed. With a mix of sugar, chocolate, and milk fat, they do have some processing involved, but they lack the long list of preservatives and additives you might find in some other products. It’s all about finding that balance! ## Related products - [Duncan Hines Signature Cake Mix, Lemon Supreme](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/duncan-hines-signature-cake-mix-lemon-supreme-1525-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/duncan-hines-signature-cake-mix-lemon-supreme-1525-oz - [Sugar in the Raw Turbinado Sugar, Natural Cane](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sugar-in-the-raw-turbinado-sugar-natural-cane-32-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sugar-in-the-raw-turbinado-sugar-natural-cane-32-oz - [Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting 16 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/betty-crocker-chocolate-frosting-16-oz-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/betty-crocker-chocolate-frosting-16-oz-16-oz - [Betty Crocker Rich And Creamy Frosting, Milk Chocolate](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/betty-crocker-rich-and-creamy-frosting-milk-chocolate-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/betty-crocker-rich-and-creamy-frosting-milk-chocolate-16-oz - [Betty Crocker Supermoist Cake Mix, Butter Recipe Yellow](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/betty-crocker-supermoist-cake-mix-butter-recipe-yellow-1325-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/betty-crocker-supermoist-cake-mix-butter-recipe-yellow-1325-oz - [Pillsbury Cake Mix, Classic White](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pillsbury-cake-mix-classic-white-1525-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pillsbury-cake-mix-classic-white-1525-oz - [McCormick Garlic Powder](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mccormick-garlic-powder-312-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mccormick-garlic-powder-312-oz - [Diamond of California Walnuts, Finely Diced](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/diamond-of-california-walnuts-finely-diced-10-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/diamond-of-california-walnuts-finely-diced-10-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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