Hersheys

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Hershey’s SYMPHONY Milk Chocolate XL Candy Bar falls short of the clean food criteria established by our website. The product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which notably impacts its green leaf rating. Additionally, the presence of added sugars and potentially harmful additives further detracts from its score.

The Hershey’s SYMPHONY Milk Chocolate XL Candy Bar has a straightforward list of ingredients, typical for a chocolate bar. However, the inclusion of sugar as a primary ingredient raises concerns about its healthfulness. The product’s chocolate content, while a standard component, does not mitigate the negative aspects of the added sugars. Skim milk and milk fat contribute to the creaminess of the chocolate, but they do not enhance the product’s health profile.

Lecithin is an emulsifier commonly found in chocolate products, and while it is not necessarily harmful, it does not contribute positively to the clean food metrics. The presence of “Natural Flavor” in the ingredient list is a significant issue. The term is ambiguous and often covers a range of additives that may not align with a clean eating philosophy.

The lack of organic certification implies the potential use of pesticides and other chemicals in the production of the ingredients. Similarly, the absence of a non-GMO label suggests that genetically modified organisms may be present, which many consumers aiming for clean eating try to avoid.

The Hershey’s SYMPHONY Milk Chocolate XL Candy Bar needs considerable improvements to meet the standards of those seeking cleaner food options. The use of organic and non-GMO ingredients, the elimination of added sugars, and transparency regarding the “Natural Flavor” would be necessary steps to increase its green leaf rating. As it stands, the product is positioned as a conventional candy bar with limited appeal to health-conscious consumers prioritizing clean ingredients in their food choices.