Are Hershey Bars Kosher? (Yes, Here Is Why…)

Do you know if Hershey bars are kosher? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

Everyone knows the name Hershey; the company has been creating delicious chocolaty treats since 1894 and has made close to nine billion dollars in that time. While many of us have come to love these fantastic snacks, are the ingredients used Kosher-friendly?

Hershey’s chocolate bars are a Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregation (OU) certified Kosher treat that is made from kosher ingredients and manufactured in a kosher-approved facility.

If you are a chocolate enthusiast and interested in learning more about Hershey’s products and what makes them a Kosher-approved snack, keep reading this article, where we will dig deep to discover everything there is to know about Hershey’s chocolate bar formula.

Table of Contents

Are Hershey Bars Kosher?

Quick and simple, yes, Hershey bars are, in fact, a Kosher-certified product. These delicious treats are made from ingredients approved by Halah and are made with tools and manufactured in facilities that are also kosher-friendly.

So what is in a Hershey Bar? Let’s take a quick peek at the ingredients in these little snacks, providing anyone following a strict diet the peace of mind that this product is legit.

Unsweetened Chocolate
Cocoa Butter
Soy Lecithin
Vanilla
Maltitol (from wheat but still gluten free)

All of the ingredients listed above are Halah approved. These treats can be enjoyed during Passover and are popular candy bars chosen by the Jewish community.

Are Hershey Bars With Almonds Kosher?

If you enjoy some almonds mixed in with your chocolate, Hershey Bars with Almonds are a great option, even for those who ha e to eat Kosher.

All the products in a Hershey Almond bar are the same as above with the addition of the nuts.

Nearly all nuts are Kosher; the only time you have to be careful is in the altering process and when the products are cooked in oils or flavored with other ingredients.

Are Hershey Kisses Kosher?

Yes, similar to the other examples, Hershey kisses are tiny little treats that can be enjoyed during Passover and are manufactured through a Kosher-friendly process.

Hershey kisses are essentially a Hershey bar deconstructed and reformed into a small tear drop shape with a flat bottom.

Even the kisses with a twist are Kosher-friendly. This means all flavors have Halah approved, even those filled with caramel, peanuts, peppermint, etc.

Are All Hershey Bars Kosher?

According to the Hershey website, the OU has deemed Hershey products to be Kosher and are stamped with the official OU Kosher Logo certification mark.

This is a sure sign that anyone following a Kosher diet can enjoy their favorite Hershey treats without worrying about whether or not they are Halah approved.

Are Hershey Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes, Hershey’s chocolate bars are gluten-free, according to Hershey’s website. However, not all of their products can say the same thing.

The three main options with a gluten-free label are Hershey Chocolate bars, Hershey Chocolate bars with almonds, and Hershey’s Air Delight (an aerated milk chocolate bar.)

Are All Gluten-Free Chocolate Bars Kosher?

No, not all gluten-free candy bars are considered to be Kosher. In fact, it is difficult to find any gluten-free products that are kosher-approved.

On the other hand, you will find that many Kosher-friendly products are gluten-free because of the wheat and manufacturing process.

Are Hershey Chocolate Bars Vegan?

Milk chocolate is, of course, made from milk, which is not a vegan-approved ingredient, which means Hershey bars cannot claim to be vegan.

However, Hershey does make a line of vegan Hershey bars to appeal to this community and diet restrictions specifically.

Is All Chocolate Kosher?

No. While many companies work very hard to receive that Kosher-approved stamp, not all of them actually have it, and it does require a little bit more effort and money to keep products Kosher.

Thus, making many candies is not Kosher certified.

It is important for anyone following this diet to read each label carefully, no matter which company you purchase your candy from.

There are many products that might claim they are Kosher-friendly but include items that might sit on the Halah fence where some wouldn’t even consider touching the stuff, and others wouldn’t think twice.

What Types of Chocolate are Kosher-Approved For Passover?

In order for chocolate to be Halah approved, it must be prepared in a way where none of the ingredients are mixed with grain; this includes where cocoa grows, is harvested, and cannot be stored with flour. As long as the chocolate is prepared in this way, it is considered Kosher-friendly.

Who is the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregation?

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregation (AKA OU) was formed in 1898 and is one of the largest Jewish Orthodox organizations in the United States.

This organization does a tremendous amount of volunteer work for their communities, including youth programs, programs for the disabled, synagogue support, etc.

The OU is also one way for companies to prove to customers that their products are legitimately Kosher-certified.

Hershey has chosen this company to inspect their facilities, the process in which their products are made, and the ingredients used in their chocolates to verify the company is following Kosher-approved regulations.

Summing Things Up

If you follow a Kosher diet and looking for a delicious and sweet treat to enjoy daily or during Passover, you can safely choose Hershey’s chocolate bars to curb your cravings since their products, ingredients, and manufacturing process are all Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregation approved.

References

https://www.chicagojewishnews.com/is-hershy-chocolate-company-jewish/#5

https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/ingredients/dietary-needs/kosher.html