HERSHEY'S special dark

candy • For 1-2 year old toddlers • Consumable 🍝

candy

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Is this toddler-safe to eat HERSHEY'S special dark?

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NOT RECOMMENDED

Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: HERSHEY'S special dark contains 8 ingredients. 1 concerning, 1 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (8 found)

CHOCOLATE

🚨6/10

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can be harmful to 1-2 year olds. It may cause irritability and digestive issues. Often used for flavor but not recommended for 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

NATURAL FLAVOR

⚠️4/10

Natural Flavor is common and often safe but is a vague term. Some components are safe GRAS substances but it may hide allergens or additives.

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

SUGAR

✅3/10

Small amounts of sugar are not toxic but added sugars should be limited to reduce tooth decay and excess weight risk.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI

✅3/10

Cocoa processed with alkali is generally safe in small amounts but contains caffeine and theobromine which may affect toddlers. Likely used for flavor in baby foods or supplements.

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

PGPR

✅2/10

PGPR is an emulsifier used in food products including baby foods in small amounts. It is generally safe but minor concerns exist due to limited infant-specific studies.

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

COCOA BUTTER

✅1/10

Organic fair-trade cocoa butter is a natural fat used in foods and safe for 1-2 year olds in small amounts. It is likely included as a fat source or flavor.

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

LECITHIN (SOY)

✅1/10

Lecithin soy is a common emulsifier and source of phospholipids in baby foods and formulas. It is generally safe for 1-2 year olds with minimal allergy risk.

Confidence: HIGH

MILK FAT

✅0/10

Milkfat is a common dairy fat source in baby foods and formulas and is safe for 1-2 year olds unless there is a dairy allergy

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

Common Questions About HERSHEY'S special dark

Toddler-friendly? HERSHEY'S special dark

HERSHEY'S special dark is not recommended for 1-2 year old toddlers due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 8 ingredients in HERSHEY'S special dark. 1 concerning, 1 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

When can toddlers eating candy?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 1-2 year old toddlers. 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.