Hershey’s Kisses are a beloved chocolate treat enjoyed by people of all ages. With their small size and classic shape, they are a staple of celebrations, holidays, or just as a sweet snack.
You might be wondering how much caffeine in Hershey Kisses, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or looking to control your daily intake of it.
Milk chocolate, which is the primary ingredient in Hershey’s Kisses, does contain some caffeine.
In fact, an average serving of Hershey’s Kisses contains about 12 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, equivalent to seven kisses.
While it’s a relatively small amount, for those who like to indulge in handfuls of Kisses in one sitting, the caffeine can add up.
There are a variety of Hershey’s Kisses products, and the caffeine content may differ based on the amount of cacao they contain.
Key Takeaways
- Hershey’s Kisses are a popular chocolate treat, containing a small amount of caffeine per serving.
- The caffeine content in Kisses can vary depending on the product variant and cacao content.
- Those who consume large quantities of Hershey’s Kisses should be mindful of the potential caffeine accumulation.
How Much Caffeine In Hershey Kisses?
Caffeine Basics
When enjoying your favorite chocolates, you might not consider the caffeine content.
While it’s true that chocolate does contain caffeine, the amount varies depending on the type of chocolate.
Generally speaking, the darker the chocolate, the more caffeine it contains.
Let’s take a closer look at the caffeine content in different types of chocolates:
- Milk Chocolate: Averages 20 milligrams of caffeine per 100 grams.
- Dark Chocolate: Contains higher amounts of caffeine, up to 60-70 milligrams per 100 grams.
- White Chocolate: Has negligible amounts of caffeine, as it does not contain cocoa solids.
Cacao and Caffeine
Now, let’s focus on Hershey Kisses.
These popular treats are mostly made of milk chocolate, which means they contain a small amount of caffeine.
According to the Caffeine Informer, the original Hershey’s Kiss contains approximately 0.92 milligrams of caffeine per piece.
This is quite a low amount and does not pose a concern for most people.
However, if you prefer dark chocolate Hershey Kisses, bear in mind that they will contain slightly more caffeine.
For example, Hershey’s Special Dark Kisses contain around 12 milligrams of caffeine per serving (7 kisses).
So, if you’re someone who is sensitive to caffeine or if you tend to eat large quantities of dark chocolate, it’s good to be aware of the higher caffeine content in these variants.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size and Servings Per Container
When thinking about Hershey’s Kisses, it’s essential to consider the serving size, which is 7 pieces (32g).
Each package typically contains about 10 servings, so don’t forget that if you decide to indulge in these sweet treats.
% Daily Value
In terms of nutrition, consuming a serving of Hershey’s Kisses will provide you with 160 calories.
The total fat content is 9g, accounting for 12% of the Daily Value (DV), with 6g of saturated fat comprising 29% DV.
These chocolatey delights also contain 15g of sugar and 26g of total carbohydrates, which is about 8% of your recommended daily intake.
Other Essential Nutrients
Hershey’s Kisses contain small amounts of essential nutrients.
One serving provides you with 40mg of sodium, accounting for 2% of your DV.
Although Hershey’s Kisses are not a significant source of fiber, protein, or vitamins, they do contain some caffeine.
On average, a serving of Hershey’s Kisses holds 12 milligrams of caffeine, which isn’t much but can add up if you enjoy them in larger quantities.
Ingredients Breakdown
Primary Ingredients of Hershey’s Kisses
Hershey’s Kisses are primarily made of milk chocolate, which consists of the following ingredients:
- Milk
- Sugar
- Cocoa butter
- Lactose
- Milk fat
Additionally, other ingredients include:
- Soy lecithin
- PGPR
- Vanillin
- Artificial flavor
These ingredients give the Hershey’s Kisses their characteristic taste, texture, and of course, low levels of caffeine.
Common Allergens
It is essential to consider potential allergens when consuming Hershey’s Kisses.
The primary allergens in this chocolate treat are:
- Dairy ingredients: Milk, lactose, and milk fat are present and can cause reactions for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
- Soy: Soy lecithin is an emulsifier found in Hershey’s Kisses, so those with soy allergies should take note.
Keep in mind that Hershey’s Kisses are made in facilities that handle nuts, wheat, and eggs, which may lead to cross-contamination.
Thus, individuals with severe allergies to these ingredients should be cautious and safe.
Additives and Flavorings
To improve the overall taste and texture of Hershey’s Kisses, certain additives and flavorings are used, such as:
- Soy lecithin: This emulsifier ensures that the cocoa butter and other ingredients blend well and maintain a smooth texture.
- PGPR (polyglycerol polyricinoleate): This additive reduces the viscosity of the chocolate, making it easier to work with during production.
- Vanillin: This synthetic compound imitates the flavor of natural vanilla and enhances the overall taste of the chocolate.
Remember, Hershey’s Kisses contain low levels of caffeine, so you can enjoy this sweet treat without worrying too much about your caffeine intake.
However, it’s always a good idea to keep track, especially if you have a sensitivity to caffeine or consume large quantities.
Similar Products and Alternatives
Comparison with Other Chocolate Brands
When comparing the caffeine content of Hershey’s Kisses with other chocolate brands, it’s important to note that the caffeine amount varies between different products.
For instance, Hershey’s Kisses contain approximately 1 mg of caffeine per piece, which is considered low on the caffeine scale.
In contrast, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar contains about 6 milligrams of caffeine per 1-ounce serving, and Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar has about 12 milligrams of caffeine per 1-ounce serving.
It’s interesting to see how the caffeine content differs based on the type of chocolate you choose to enjoy.
| Hershey’s Kisses Type | Approximate Caffeine Content (per 1.55 oz / 43 g) |
|---|---|
| Milk Chocolate | 9 mg |
| Dark Chocolate | 20 mg |
| Special Dark Chocolate | 20 mg |
Conclusion
Hershey’s offers a wide variety of chocolate products for you to explore.
Apart from the original milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, other popular variations include:
Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Kisses: These white chocolate treats with cookie bits have a similar caffeine content to the Milk Chocolate Bar, with around 6 milligrams of caffeine per 1-ounce serving.
Hershey’s Special Dark Kisses: As the dark chocolate version of Kisses, these contain approximately 12 milligrams of caffeine per 1-ounce serving, making them a higher-caffeine alternative to the classic Kisses.
FAQs
What is the caffeine content in a single serving of Hershey Kisses?
A single serving of Hershey Kisses, which is considered to be 7 kisses, contains about 12 milligrams of caffeine.
This amount is fairly negligible but can quickly add up if you consume many Hershey Kisses at once.
Can you compare the caffeine levels in Hershey Kisses and a cup of coffee?
The amount of caffeine in Hershey’s Kisses single serving (12 milligrams) is much lower than the caffeine found in a typical cup of coffee, which can have about 95 milligrams of caffeine on average, that’s something you should know.
It would take around 8 servings of Hershey Kisses to match the caffeine content of a single cup of coffee.
Are there varying amounts of caffeine in different Hershey’s chocolate flavors?
Yes, the caffeine content can vary based on the amount of cacao they contain.
For example, dark chocolate contains more caffeine than milk chocolate.
So, different Hershey’s chocolate flavors may have varying amounts of caffeine depending on their cacao content.
What chocolate products have the highest amounts of caffeine?
Chocolate products with higher cacao content, such as dark chocolate or baking chocolate, generally have the highest amounts of caffeine.
Dark chocolate can contain up to 80 milligrams of caffeine per 100 grams, while baking chocolate can have around 60 milligrams per 100 grams.
Is the caffeine concentration in Hershey’s milk chocolate significant?
The caffeine concentration in Hershey’s milk chocolate is relatively low.
Milk chocolate contains about 9 milligrams of caffeine per 1.55 ounces. While this amount is not significant, it can add up if you consume a large quantity of milk chocolate.
Does white chocolate contain any caffeine?
White chocolate contains little to no caffeine since it is made without cocoa solids and primarily from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids.
The trace amounts of caffeine that may be present in white chocolate come from the minimal amounts of cocoa solids sometimes used to enhance flavor.
