Are you a fan of Hershey’s chocolate syrup?
Do you love drizzling it over your ice cream or adding it to your milkshake?
While it may be a delicious addition to your desserts, the question remains: is Hershey’s syrup good for your health?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional value of Hershey’s chocolate syrup and explore whether it’s a healthy choice or not.
So grab a spoonful of your favorite dessert and join us as we dive into the world of Hershey’s syrup.
Is Hershey’s Syrup Good For Health?
Hershey’s chocolate syrup is a popular condiment used to add flavor to a variety of desserts and beverages. However, when it comes to its nutritional value, Hershey’s syrup falls short.
Firstly, Hershey’s chocolate syrup is high in sugar content, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Additionally, it contains artificial ingredients that are not beneficial for your health.
Comparing Hershey’s syrup to other sweeteners like maple syrup, it is clear that Hershey’s syrup is not a healthy choice. Maple syrup contains more trace minerals and nutrients like zinc, manganese, calcium, and potassium. It also has fewer calories and a lower glycemic index than Hershey’s syrup.
Furthermore, Hershey Co made nutritional claims for its chocolate syrups that did not meet regulatory guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA warned the company about using terms like “plus” and “fortification” on their labels as the products’ nutritional contents did not meet the guidelines needed to make such claims.
However, Hershey’s has introduced a new syrup that boasts just five ingredients: cane sugar, organic invert cane syrup, water, cocoa, and natural vanilla flavor. This non-GMO syrup omits high fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives and flavors. While it still contains sugar, this new version is certainly a healthier alternative to previous versions of Hershey’s syrup.
The Ingredients Of Hershey’s Syrup
Hershey’s syrup contains a number of ingredients, some of which may not be beneficial for your health. The primary ingredient in Hershey’s syrup is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a liquid sweetener that is similar in sweetness to table sugar. HFCS is produced from corn through the enzymatic conversion of glucose into fructose. It is commonly used in processed foods as it is less expensive than sugar. However, HFCS has been linked to weight gain and other health issues.
Other ingredients in Hershey’s syrup include corn syrup, water, cocoa, and sugar. Cocoa powder is a powder made by removing most of the cocoa butter from chocolate liquor and is commonly used in baking. The term “sugar” can be used to refer specifically to sucrose or generally to all simple sugars (lactose, glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, etc.).
Hershey’s syrup also contains artificial ingredients such as potassium sorbate, xanthan gum, mono-and diglycerides, polysorbate 60, and vanillin. Potassium sorbate is a chemical preservative recognized by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Xanthan gum is used as an emulsifier to prevent ingredients from separating. Mono-and diglycerides are composed of one and two glycerol molecules and a fatty acid. They are used as an emulsifier to improve the texture of food. Polysorbate 60 is an artificial ingredient composed of saturated fatty acids and sugar alcohols. It is used as an emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersing agent to improve the texture of food. Vanillin is an artificial flavor that is commonly used in food products.
The Nutritional Value Of Hershey’s Syrup
When it comes to nutritional value, Hershey’s syrup falls short. It is high in sugar content, with a serving size of 2 tablespoons containing 20 grams of sugar. This amount of sugar can lead to weight gain and other health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
In terms of other nutrients, Hershey’s syrup does not provide much. It contains negligible amounts of protein and fat, and has no vitamins or minerals. The only significant ingredient in Hershey’s syrup is cocoa, which is high in antioxidants and flavonols that may help protect our cells from damage due to free radicals. However, the amount of cocoa in Hershey’s syrup is relatively small compared to other sources like dark chocolate.
Additionally, Hershey’s syrup contains artificial ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and preservatives that are not beneficial for your health. These ingredients have been linked to various health issues like obesity, liver damage, and inflammation.
The Health Benefits And Risks Of Hershey’s Syrup
Hershey’s syrup does not offer many health benefits, as it is high in sugar and contains artificial ingredients. Consuming too much Hershey’s syrup can lead to weight gain and other health issues. However, depending on the brand and ingredients, chocolate syrup may provide some antioxidant benefits, including flavonols, which may help protect our cells from damage due to free radicals. Additionally, cocoa itself, which is used in chocolate syrup, is high in fiber and antioxidants, as well as magnesium and iron.
It’s important to remember that chocolate syrup should be consumed in moderation. Many store-bought brands contain added sugars, so it’s essential to read the label and check for added sugar. Moreover, many brands also contain other ingredients like preservatives and food colorings that offer little to no nutritional benefit.
Furthermore, Hershey Co made nutritional claims for its chocolate syrups that did not meet regulatory guidelines set by the FDA. The FDA warned the company about using terms like “plus” and “fortification” on their labels as the products’ nutritional contents did not meet the guidelines needed to make such claims.
Alternatives To Hershey’s Syrup For A Healthier Dessert Option
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to Hershey’s syrup, there are many options available. One option is to try natural sweeteners like carob syrup, coconut syrup, or pure maple syrup. These alternatives are far healthier than commercial chocolate syrups and contain fewer calories and less sugar.
For those with diabetes or sugar sensitivities, there are many brands of sugar-free chocolate syrup available in the market. Some of these options do contain artificial sweeteners, but they can be a nice replacement as a special occasion treat. However, it is important to note that some options are healthier than others.
Ghirardelli chocolate sauces and Torani sauces are great substitutes for Hershey’s syrup in a can. Carob syrup, balsamic glaze, molasses, maple syrup, melted dark chocolate, Nutella, and caramel sauce are also excellent substitutes. You can even make chocolate syrup at home using only cocoa, sugar, vanilla extract, water, and a dash of salt.
If you prefer white chocolate sauce, Torani’s version is an inspired idea that really shakes things up a bit. It is made with premium ingredients like real cream and contains no artificial ingredients or GMOs. You can use it by itself or blend it with dark or bittersweet chocolate sauce to add extra layers of flavor and texture to all your sweet beverages and desserts.