Hersheys

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Hershey’s MR. GOODBAR Chocolate with Peanuts Giant Candy Bar earns the lowest score on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, factors that significantly reduce its rating. The presence of added sugars contributes to its low score, as we prioritize health and wellness in our assessments.

The MR. GOODBAR includes sugar, peanuts, and milk chocolate as its primary ingredients. However, the addition of lactose, reduced protein whey, and skim milk raises concerns about the overall nutritional value. The chocolate component contains less than 2% of cocoa processed with alkali, which alters the chocolate’s pH level and may affect its nutritional profile.

Furthermore, the use of additives such as lecithin and artificial flavor, specifically vanillin, contributes to the product’s negative rating. Lecithin is often utilized as an emulsifier in chocolate products, while vanillin, an artificial flavor, is a synthetic substitute for vanilla. These ingredients are flagged in our review process for their potential health implications and their departure from natural, whole-food sources.

The Hershey’s MR. GOODBAR also falls short due to the inclusion of artificial flavor, which is associated with high fructose corn syrup, another ingredient we penalize heavily for its link to adverse health effects. The bar’s composition reflects a combination of non-organic, GMO, and artificial components, leading to its minimal green leaf rating.

Our assessment aims to guide consumers toward healthier, cleaner eating choices. The Hershey’s MR. GOODBAR Chocolate with Peanuts Giant Candy Bar does not meet the criteria for a cleaner food option due to its non-organic status, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and artificial components. As a result, we advise consumers to seek alternative products that align more closely with a wholesome and natural dietary approach.