Is Special Dark Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hershey's
Hershey's's Special Dark is reviewed here as a dessert. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Processed With Alkali, Pgpr, Vanillin.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like sugar and soy lecithin, which raise quality concerns. The presence of artificial flavor vanillin also indicates a less natural profile.
Main concern
Processed with alkali, which can reduce the nutritional value of cocoa.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains cocoa butter, which is a natural fat derived from cocoa beans, contributing to texture.
- Includes milk fat, providing a creamy mouthfeel and enhancing flavor.
- Chocolate and cocoa provide a rich taste, appealing to chocolate lovers.
Concerns
- Processed with alkali, which can reduce the nutritional value of cocoa.
- Contains soy lecithin, a common emulsifier that may raise concerns for those avoiding soy.
- Vanillin is an artificial flavor, indicating the presence of synthetic additives.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dessert, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Processed With Alkali safe in this dessert?
Bad
Processed With Alkali is used here as base. Processed with alkali to reduce acidity, which can diminish cocoa's natural benefits and flavor complexity.
Role in formula: base
Original: Processed with alkali
-
Is Milk Fat safe in this dessert?
Medium
Milk Fat is used here as base. Milk fat adds creaminess and flavor but is a processed dairy ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: milk fat
-
Is Lactose safe in this dessert?
Medium
Lactose is used here as base. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, contributing sweetness but may cause issues for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: lactose (milk)
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this dessert?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is used to improve texture and stability but is a processed ingredient that some may wish to avoid.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: soy lecithin
-
Is Pgpr safe in this dessert?
Bad
Pgpr is used here as emulsifier. PGPR is a synthetic emulsifier that helps reduce viscosity but raises concerns about artificial additives.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: PGPR (emulsifier)
-
Is Vanillin safe in this dessert?
Bad
Vanillin is used here as flavor. Vanillin is an artificial flavor that provides sweetness and aroma but indicates synthetic processing.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: vanillin (artificial flavor)
-
Is Milk safe in this dessert?
Medium
Milk is used here as base. Milk adds creaminess and flavor but is a processed dairy ingredient that may not suit all diets.
Role in formula: base
Original: milk
-
Is Sugar safe in this dessert?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a refined sweetener that contributes to calorie content and raises health concerns when consumed excessively.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Chocolate safe in this dessert?
Medium
Chocolate is used here as base. Chocolate provides rich flavor but may contain added sugars and fats, impacting overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: chocolate
-
Is Cocoa Butter safe in this dessert?
Good
Cocoa Butter is used here as base. Cocoa butter is a natural fat from cocoa beans, contributing to smooth texture and rich flavor without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: base
Original: cocoa butter
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3511840
More from this brand: Hershey's products in Zerotox
Similar products: dessert in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.