For newborn tummies

0–6 month old babies should generally have only breast milk or infant formula. Please talk to your pediatrician before giving anything else.

Take care of you and your baby ❤️

HERSHEY'S miniatures

candy • For 0-6 month old infants • Consumable 🍝

candy

Product Images

Product Photo

Tap to enlarge

Ingredient List

Tap to enlarge

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to eat HERSHEY'S miniatures?

🚫

NO - AVOID

Danger Score: 68 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: HERSHEY'S miniatures contains 23 ingredients. 4 avoid, 5 concerning, 3 caution. Avoid - Contains Dangerous Ingredients 🚫 Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (23 found)

CHOCOLATE

🚫8/10

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which are harmful to infants under 6 months. It is not suitable for baby food or formula at this age.

No Known Risk - Chocolate, when used in small amounts and age-appropriate forms, does not have immediate health concerns for babies based on current research. However, it is not recommended for infants due to caffeine, sugar, and potential allergens, but these do not meet the threshold for the specific risk labels provided.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI

🚫8/10

Cocoa processed with alkali contains caffeine and theobromine which are not safe for infants under 6 months. It is not suitable for baby food or formula.

No Known Risk - Cocoa powder (alkalized) is generally recognized as safe for consumption, including by babies in small amounts. There is no strong evidence linking it to any of the listed risks when used in typical food amounts. While cocoa contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, these are not present at levels considered harmful in normal dietary exposure, and no major health agencies have flagged alkalized cocoa powder as a risk for babies.

Confidence: HIGH

PEANUTS

🚫8/10

Peanuts pose a high allergy risk and choking hazard for 0-6 month babies. They are not recommended in baby food or formula at this age.

Immune system - Peanuts are a common allergen and can trigger severe allergic reactions in some babies, which involve the immune system.

Confidence: HIGH

SKIM MILK

🚫8/10

Skimmed milk is not suitable for infants under 6 months as it lacks essential fats and nutrients needed for growth and can cause health risks

Confidence: HIGH

MILK

🚨7/10

Organic milk is not recommended for babies under 6 months as it can cause digestive issues and lacks essential nutrients found in breast milk or formula

No Known Risk - Milk is generally considered safe for babies over 12 months old when consumed as part of a balanced diet. There are no immediate health concerns for most infants and children, except for those with specific allergies or lactose intolerance, which are not universal risks. No major risk labels apply based on current research for the general population.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA

🚨6/10

Cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine which are stimulants not recommended for infants under 6 months. It may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues. Likely used for flavor in sweetened cereal.

No Known Risk - Cocoa is generally recognized as safe for consumption in babies when used in appropriate amounts. There is no strong evidence linking cocoa to any of the listed risks for babies, such as irritation, hormone disruption, or long-term health effects, when consumed in typical dietary amounts. However, caution should be used regarding added sugars or caffeine content in some cocoa products, but pure cocoa itself does not present known risks based on current research.

Confidence: HIGH

NATURAL FLAVOR

🚨6/10

Not recommended for babies under six months. Natural flavor is vague and may contain unknown ingredients or allergens.

No Known Risk - Natural flavor is a broad term for flavoring substances derived from natural sources. While the exact composition can vary, current research and regulatory reviews have not identified immediate health risks for babies when used in typical amounts in consumable products. There is no strong evidence linking natural flavors to specific health risks in infants, so an abundance of caution suggests it is generally considered safe.

Confidence: HIGH

SALT

🚨6/10

Salt can pose strong safety concerns for 0-6 month babies as their kidneys are immature and excess sodium can harm them. It is likely used for flavor or preservation in sweetened cereal.

Organ Risk - Excessive salt intake in babies can strain immature kidneys and may lead to kidney damage or high blood pressure.

Long-Term Risk - High salt consumption in infancy is linked to increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life.

Confidence: HIGH

ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR

🚨6/10

Artificial flavors are a vague category with potential unknown chemicals and some removed for safety. Use with caution in 0-6 month baby foods due to immature metabolism.

Long-Term Risk - Artificial flavors are a broad category of synthetic chemicals, some of which have been linked in animal studies and limited human data to potential long-term health effects, especially with repeated exposure in early life. The lack of transparency about specific chemicals used increases uncertainty about their safety for babies.

Organ Risk - Certain artificial flavoring agents have been associated with organ toxicity in animal studies, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys after repeated ingestion. Babies are more vulnerable due to their developing organs.

Immune system - Some artificial flavors may alter immune responses or increase the risk of allergies, especially in infants with developing immune systems.

ADHD/ADD - There is some evidence linking artificial food additives, including certain artificial flavors, to increased hyperactivity and attention issues in children, though the evidence is not conclusive for all artificial flavors.

Confidence: HIGH

SUGAR

⚠️5/10

Added sugar is not recommended for babies under six months. It is not acutely toxic but can harm nutrition and encourage sweet preference and later health issues.

ADHD/ADD - High sugar intake has been linked in some studies to increased hyperactivity and attention issues in children, though evidence is mixed.

Organ Risk - Excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased risk of fatty liver disease and can stress the pancreas in children.

Long-Term Risk - Chronic high sugar intake in early life is linked to increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome later in life.

Metabolism - High sugar intake can negatively affect how the body processes nutrients and is linked to insulin resistance and metabolic disturbances.

Confidence: HIGH

MALT EXTRACT

⚠️4/10

Malt extract is a sweetener derived from barley and contains gluten which is not recommended for babies under 6 months. It may cause allergies or digestive issues.

No Known Risk - Malt extract is commonly used in baby foods and formulas and is generally recognized as safe for consumption. There is no strong scientific evidence linking malt extract to any of the listed health risks in babies when used as intended.

Confidence: HIGH

SHEA OIL

⚠️4/10

Shea oil is typically used in topical products not consumables for babies 0-6 months. Its safety in edible form for this age is not well established.

No Known Risk - Shea oil is widely used in both topical and edible products and is generally recognized as safe for consumption, including for babies. There is no credible evidence linking shea oil to any of the listed health risks when used as a consumable. Allergic reactions are extremely rare, and it is not associated with hormone disruption, cancer, organ toxicity, or other long-term health effects. Therefore, no risk labels apply based on current research.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA BUTTER

✅3/10

Organic fair-trade cocoa butter is generally safe as a fat source but may pose allergy risk or digestive issues in 0-6 month infants. Used as an emollient or fat in some foods.

No Known Risk - Cocoa butter is widely used in foods and topical products and is generally recognized as safe for consumption and skin contact, including for babies. There is no strong evidence linking cocoa butter to any of the listed risks when used as a consumable ingredient.

Confidence: HIGH

PGPR

✅3/10

PGPR is an emulsifier used in food products including some infant formulas. It is generally recognized as safe but limited data exists for 0-6 month infants so minor caution advised.

No Known Risk - Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR) is widely used as an emulsifier in food products, including those for children. Current research and regulatory reviews (such as by the EFSA and FDA) have not identified significant health risks at approved usage levels, and there is no strong evidence linking PGPR to any of the listed negative health effects in babies or children.

Confidence: HIGH

PALM KERNEL OIL

✅2/10

Palm Kernel Oil is generally safe in small amounts and used as a fat source in baby foods but may cause minor digestive issues in sensitive infants

No Known Risk - Palm Kernel Oil is generally recognized as safe for consumption in infants and children, with no strong evidence linking it to specific health risks such as irritation, hormone disruption, cancer, or organ toxicity. It is commonly used in infant formulas and foods, and current research does not indicate immediate or long-term health concerns when used as intended.

Confidence: HIGH

RICE FLOUR

✅2/10

Rice flour is generally safe as a carbohydrate source in baby cereals but may pose minor concerns due to potential arsenic content in rice products. Used as a thickener and energy source.

No Known Risk - Rice flour is widely used in baby foods and cereals and is generally recognized as safe for infant consumption. There is no strong evidence linking rice flour itself to any of the listed health risks when used as intended. However, parents should be aware of potential arsenic contamination in rice products, but this is not a direct risk of rice flour as an ingredient itself.

Confidence: HIGH

PALM OIL

✅1/10

Vegetable oil from palm is commonly used in infant formulas as a fat source and is generally safe for babies 0-6 months when properly processed.

No Known Risk - Palm oil is widely used in infant formulas and baby foods and is generally recognized as safe for consumption by babies. There is no strong evidence linking palm oil to any of the listed health risks when used as a food ingredient for infants. Regulatory agencies have not flagged palm oil as a specific risk for babies.

Confidence: HIGH

SOY LECITHIN

✅1/10

Soy lecithin is a common emulsifier in baby foods and formulas and is generally safe for infants 0-6 months with very low allergenic risk.

No Known Risk - Soy lecithin is widely used in foods and infant formulas, and current research does not show immediate health concerns or significant risks for babies when consumed in typical amounts. Allergic reactions are rare, and there is no strong evidence linking it to hormone disruption, cancer, or other long-term health effects in infants.

Confidence: HIGH

MILK FAT

✅1/10

Milkfat is a common source of fat in infant formula and is safe for 0-6 months when properly processed

No Known Risk - Milk fat is a natural component of dairy and is commonly included in infant formulas and baby foods. There is no credible scientific evidence linking milk fat to any of the listed risks for healthy infants, unless the baby has a diagnosed milk allergy or intolerance. For the general population, milk fat is considered safe for consumption by babies.

Confidence: HIGH

REDUCED PROTEIN WHEY

✅1/10

Reduced protein whey is a dairy derivative with lower protein content used in infant formulas to adjust protein levels safely for babies 0-6 months.

No Known Risk - Reduced protein whey is commonly used in infant formulas and foods, and current research does not show any immediate health concerns or specific risks associated with its use in babies. It is generally considered safe for infant consumption, especially for those with certain digestive needs.

Confidence: HIGH

SAFFLOWER OIL

✅1/10

Safflower oil is commonly used in infant formulas as a fat source and is considered safe for 0-6 months

No Known Risk - Safflower oil is generally recognized as safe for consumption, including for babies, and there is no credible evidence linking it to any of the listed risks when used as a food ingredient. It is commonly used in infant formulas and baby foods without reports of adverse effects.

Confidence: HIGH

SUNFLOWER OIL

✅1/10

Sunflower oil is commonly used in baby foods as a safe source of fat and essential fatty acids for infants 0-6 months.

No Known Risk - Sunflower oil is widely used in baby foods and infant formulas and is generally recognized as safe for consumption by babies. There is no strong scientific evidence linking sunflower oil to any of the listed risks when used as a consumable ingredient for infants. Allergic reactions are extremely rare, and it is not associated with hormone disruption, cancer, or other long-term health effects in babies.

Confidence: HIGH

LACTOSE

✅0/10

Organic lactose is a natural milk sugar safe for infants and commonly used in formula to mimic breast milk

No Known Risk - Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and is commonly used in baby formulas and foods. There are no established health risks for babies who are not lactose intolerant, and it is considered safe for infant consumption based on current research.

Confidence: HIGH

Common Questions About HERSHEY'S miniatures

Is this newborn-safe? HERSHEY'S miniatures

HERSHEY'S miniatures is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 23 ingredients in HERSHEY'S miniatures. 4 avoid, 5 concerning, 3 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

When can newborns start eating candy?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

Product Recognition: Product names are identified programatically and may be incorrect. Always verify product identity yourself.

Safety Analysis: Evaluations are for research only - consult pediatricians for medical decisions. Do not rely solely on this analysis.

No Guarantees: Results may be incomplete or inaccurate. Do not rely solely on this analysis.