
Hersheys
Flavor:
HUGS Valentine's Milk Chocolate White Creme Candy
Ingredients:
Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Milk, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Lecithin, PGPR, Natural Flavor), Sugar, Milk Chocolate, Skim Milk, Corn syrup Solids, Lactose, Contains 2% or Less of: Lecithin, PGPR, Vanillin (ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR)
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Hersheys HUGS Valentine’s Milk Chocolate White Creme Candy is among the least recommended options for those seeking cleaner food choices. This product is not organic, includes GMO ingredients, and is laden with various added sugars, including the more detrimental corn syrup. Furthermore, it contains a range of additives, from the vaguely defined ‘Natural Flavor’ to the explicitly artificial ‘Vanillin’, which detract from its healthfulness.
The Hersheys HUGS candy begins with a milk chocolate base, which is a combination of sugar, milk, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, lecithin, PGPR, and natural flavor. The presence of sugar and milk chocolate as the primary ingredients raises concerns due to their processed nature and the health implications of excessive sugar consumption. Additionally, the product’s non-organic status and use of GMOs contribute to its low rating, reflecting a lack of alignment with cleaner, more natural food production practices.
High on the list of problematic ingredients is corn syrup solids. This form of sugar is often criticized for its potential impact on health, particularly in contributing to obesity and other metabolic disorders. The inclusion of lactose is also notable, although it is a naturally occurring milk sugar, its presence may be problematic for those with lactose intolerance.
The term ‘Natural Flavor’ is ambiguous and can encompass a wide array of substances, not all of which may be desirable in a cleaner diet. This lack of transparency is a significant drawback. ‘PGPR’ and ‘Lecithin’ serve as emulsifiers, but their synthetic nature is at odds with the aim for more natural ingredients. The artificial flavor ‘Vanillin’ is a clear deviation from a natural, clean eating philosophy, and it is particularly criticized not only for being synthetic but also for its association with high fructose corn syrup, which is known for its adverse health effects.
Overall, the Hersheys HUGS candy’s composition, characterized by non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and artificial additives, positions it as a poor choice for health-conscious consumers. The green leaf rating reflects this, advising customers to steer clear of this product in favor of cleaner, more wholesome alternatives.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
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