# Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars, Sugar Free > 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:** Snacks, Chips & Dips - **Size:** 3 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hersheys-special-dark-chocolate-bars-sugar-free-3-oz - **Slug:** `hersheys-special-dark-chocolate-bars-sugar-free-3-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (maltitol, polydextrose, emulsifiers, vegetable oils, artificial flavor) and is produced through extensive processing, fitting the ultra-processed category. ## Review HERSHEY'S Special Dark Sugar Free chocolate bar is a familiar American confection recast for shoppers avoiding sugar. You'd spot it in the candy and chocolate aisle, often shelved near other sugar-free and diabetic-friendly candies, seasonal holiday displays, and sometimes with impulse items at checkout. It suits trips that call for treats without sugar—movie-night snacks, holiday stocking stuffers, road-trip candy, or as a topping for sugarless baking. The brand leans on Hershey's long-standing, nostalgic identity: an accessible, mainstream chocolate company offering a pragmatic sugar-free alternative aimed at adults and gift-givers who want indulgence without sugar. Marketing emphasizes “Zero Sugar” and “aspartame free,” creating a health-halo for shoppers concerned about sugar while not making any natural or organic claims. The label is straightforward commercial packaging—no organic seals, no natural-product certifications, and clear sugar-free messaging. In plain terms, the bar is made through extensive industrial processing and uses sugar substitutes, polyols, emulsifiers, and vegetable oils rather than simple, single-ingredient chocolate. Sensory experience: a dark-hued snap and a smooth, creamy melt on the tongue with the slightly cooling or lingering sweetness typical of maltitol and polydextrose; milk fat and lecithin give a rounded mouthfeel while PGPR helps texture. Packaging is a small, individually wrapped 3 oz bar in shiny branded wrapper—easy to tuck into purses or lunchboxes. The ritual is familiar: unwrap for a quick bite at the movies, drop a piece into a gift bag, or break off sections to decorate sugarless desserts—a convenient, nostalgic pick for people balancing taste and reduced sugar intake. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 4 - **Servings per container:** 2.5 - **Calories:** 130 - **Total fat:** 10g (13% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 6g (30% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 20g (7% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Maltitol, Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Shea Oil, Sunflower Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, &/or Safflower Oil), Cocoa(a), Chocolate(a), Cocoa Processed with Alkali(a), Polydextrose(a), Contains 2% or Less of: Lecithin (Soy), PGPR, Milk Fat, Vanillin (Artificial Flavor). (a) Adds a Negligible Amount of Sugar. ## Flagged ingredients - **Sunflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Palm Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Palm Kernel Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Safflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Lecithin (Soy)** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** movie-night, holiday-baking, road-trip - **Vibes:** nostalgic, indulgent, convenient ## FAQ ### Is Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars healthy? When we talk about 'healthy,' it really depends on your context. These bars are low in sugar and can satisfy a chocolate craving without a sugar crash, but they're not exactly a health food. If you're looking for a sweet treat that won't spike your blood sugar, they might fit the bill, but moderation is key! ### Are Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars vegan? Nope, these bars aren't vegan-friendly. They contain milk fat, which means they’re off the list for anyone avoiding animal products. If you're looking for a chocolate fix that aligns with a vegan diet, you'll want to explore other options! ### Are Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars gluten-free? Yes, you're in the clear here! These bars are gluten-free, making them a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to check for cross-contamination if you're super sensitive! ### Do Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars contain seed oils? Yes, they do contain seed oils like palm oil and sunflower oil. While some folks are wary of seed oils, they’re commonly used in processed foods for their stability and texture. In moderation, they shouldn't be a dealbreaker, but it's always good to be aware of what you're eating! ### Do Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars have artificial sweeteners? Absolutely! These bars use maltitol and polydextrose as sugar substitutes. If you're sensitive to artificial sweeteners, this might affect your tummy, so keep that in mind when indulging! ### Are Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars high in sugar? Not at all! In fact, they’re low in sugar, which is part of their appeal for those looking to cut back on sweeteners. With no added sugars and a negligible amount present, they can be a guilt-free way to enjoy a chocolatey treat. ### What are healthier alternatives to Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars? If you’re on the hunt for healthier alternatives, consider dark chocolate bars with higher cocoa content and minimal ingredients. Brands like Hu Chocolate or Lily's use natural sweeteners and have cleaner ingredient lists, catering to those looking for something a bit more wholesome! ### Can kids eat Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars? Sure thing! Kids can enjoy these bars, but it's always good to keep an eye on portion sizes, especially since they contain artificial sweeteners. While they’re a fun treat, balance is key in any kid’s diet! ### Are Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars good for weight loss? They can be a decent option if you're watching your sugar intake, but remember, weight loss is all about balance and moderation. These bars are low in sugar, which can help satisfy a sweet tooth without derailing your goals, but they’re also calorie-dense, so enjoy them as an occasional treat! ### Are Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bars ultra-processed? Yes, these bars fall into the ultra-processed category due to their list of ingredients, including artificial sweeteners and oils. But hey, processed foods are a part of life! Just enjoy them mindfully as part of a varied diet, and you'll be just fine. ## Related products - [Frito Lay 18CT Doritos & Cheetos Mix](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/frito-lay-18ct-doritos-cheetos-mix-1763-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/frito-lay-18ct-doritos-cheetos-mix-1763-oz - [Simple Mills Crackers, Seed Flour, Garlic & Herb 4.25 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/simple-mills-crackers-seed-flour-garlic-herb-425-oz-425-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/simple-mills-crackers-seed-flour-garlic-herb-425-oz-425-oz - [Hershey's Kisses with Almonds Share Pack Stand Up Bag](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hersheys-kisses-with-almonds-share-pack-stand-up-bag-10-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hersheys-kisses-with-almonds-share-pack-stand-up-bag-10-oz - [Lundberg Family Farms Organic Thin Stackers Red Rice and Quinoa](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lundberg-family-farms-organic-thin-stackers-red-rice-and-quinoa-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lundberg-family-farms-organic-thin-stackers-red-rice-and-quinoa-6-oz - [Planters Peanuts Sea Salt & Vinegar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/planters-peanuts-sea-salt-vinegar-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/planters-peanuts-sea-salt-vinegar-6-oz - [Wasa Crispbread Multigrain, Whole Grain](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/wasa-crispbread-multigrain-whole-grain-970-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/wasa-crispbread-multigrain-whole-grain-970-oz - [Nabisco Sargento Cheese Bakes White Cheddar & Rosemary Crackers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sargento-nabisco-cheese-bakes-white-cheddar-rosemary-crackers-450-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sargento-nabisco-cheese-bakes-white-cheddar-rosemary-crackers-450-oz - [Rayge Rips rainbow](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/rips-rayge-rainbow-4-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/rips-rayge-rainbow-4-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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