HERSHEY'S special dark

candy • For 2-5 year old children • Consumable 🍝

candy

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Safe for preschoolers 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 ⚠️ Consider preschooler activity levels.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (8 found)

CHOCOLATE

🚨6/10

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can affect young children. It may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues. Likely included for flavor or sweetness.

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 a non specific label. It is commonly used to make products taste better. For two to five year olds the risk is generally low but unknown components can hide allergens or irritants.

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

Sugar in small amounts is allowed for 2 to 5 year olds but has minor risks like tooth decay and extra calories.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI

✅3/10

Cocoa processed with alkali is commonly used in foods and generally safe in small amounts but contains caffeine and theobromine which may affect young children. Likely in flavored baby foods.

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 some caution is advised for young children due to limited specific data.

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 cosmetics. It is generally safe for children 2-5 years in small amounts as in baby foods or supplements.

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 2-5 year olds with low allergenic risk.

Confidence: HIGH

MILK FAT

✅0/10

Milkfat is a common dairy fat safe for children 2-5 years and provides energy and nutrients

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

Preschooler-safe? HERSHEY'S special dark

HERSHEY'S special dark is not recommended for 2-5 year old children 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.

Is this suitable for preschoolers to eating candy?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. 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.