Hershey’s Chocolate syrup can be considered as a flavored syrup that can be added on top of almost any edible food item including desserts, beverages, and ice cream. Be it chocolate milk or chocolate floats Hershey’s Chocolate syrup can be combined with anything and everything. It is quite famous among kids due to its flavor. But Is Hershey’s Chocolate syrup healthy?
In this article, we will look at the ingredients and nutritional information of Hershey’s Chocolate syrup and will be determining whether this syrup is good for our health or not. So, let’s begin.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Sugar
- Water
- Invert sugar
- Liquid glucose
- Cocoa solids (5%)
- Malt extract
- Thickening agent (415)
- Preservative (202)
- Salt
Nutritional information
100g of Hershey’s Chocolate syrup consists of the following nutritional value.
Nutrition | Amount |
Energy | 276.5Kcal |
Carbohydrate | 66.60g |
Sugar | 63.60g |
Protein | 1.27g |
Fat | 0.56g |
Is Hershey’s Chocolate syrup good for your health?
After taking a deep dive into the nutritional information and ingredients of Hershey’s Chocolate syrup we find out some facts that are quite weird.
1. The presence of high sugar
We all know that this is a syrup and the presence of sugar in syrup is quite normal. But the sugar present in Hershey’s Chocolate syrup is way too much. 100g of Hershey’s Chocolate syrup contains about 64gms sugar. So this is never recommended for diabetic patients or people who have a risk of developing diabetes.
2. Invert sugar and liquid glucose have no health benefits
Hershey’s Chocolate syrup contains invert sugar and liquid glucose as its ingredients. These are simple sugars that provide this syrup with the texture it requires. These ingredients also provide taste and flavor to the syrup. This syrup has way too much sugar content.
3. Only 5% cocoa solids
100g of Hershey’s Chocolate syrup only contains 5% cocoa solids. It’s such an irony that Hershey’s Chocolate syrup contains such a low quantity of actual chocolate but proclaims itself as chocolate syrup. So where are the brown color and chocolate flavor coming from? It is never possible to get such a dark color and chocolaty flavor with just 5% cocoa.
4. Thickening agent 415
Thickening agent 415 is also known as xanthan gum. It is a type of fiber that is not harmful to your body. But yes if you are consuming way too much xanthan gum it may lead to stomach upset, bloating, and gas formation. The quantity of xanthan gum used in Hershey’s Chocolate syrup is low and can be considered safe.
5. Preservative 202
Preservative 202 also known as Potassium sorbate is found in Hershey’s syrup. Potassium sorbate is banned in many countries as it is injurious to health. The various health hazards of this preservative include asthma-related issues, hyperactivity, neurological damage, and even cancer.
6. Colour 150a
Colour-150a is found in this syrup. This colour is approved by FDA and is nontoxic in nature. The brown color that this syrup gets is from the addition of Colour-150a. Now you know why Hershey’s Chocolate syrup despite having such a low amount of cocoa powder is dark brown in color.
7. Addition of identical flavors
It is never possible for 5% of cocoa solids to produce such a chocolaty taste in the syrup. Identicals flavors are added to serve this cause.
8. No such nutritive value
Hershey’s Chocolate syrup can be used as a flavoring agent as it adds the most favored chocolate flavor to your food items. This is the only use of this syrup. It has no great health benefits. We can clearly see the protein and fat content in this product is negligible. On the other hand, it is stuffed with sugar which is again not good for your health.
Who should not consume Hershey’s Chocolate syrup?
- This product is not at all recommended for children and pregnant women.
- Diabetic patients should also avoid this product due to its high sugar content.
- If you are suffering from Asthma please ignore this product.
Review
After reviewing Hershey’s Chocolate syrup I can clearly conclude with the fact that this syrup is safe for consuming ( if not over-eaten) but has no additional health benefits. It’s entirely up to you whether you want to spend Rs 200 on a product just for its flavor. You can take this product occasionally and not regularly.
Disclaimer – All views mentioned in this article are personal and not intended to disparage any brand in particular.
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