HERSHEY'S miniatures

candy • For 6-12 month old babies • Consumable 🍝

candy

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Can older babies eat HERSHEY'S miniatures?

🚫

NO - AVOID

Danger Score: 27 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: HERSHEY'S miniatures contains 23 ingredients. 1 concerning, 7 caution. Concerning - Has Problematic Ingredients ⚠️ Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (23 found)

CHOCOLATE

🚨7/10

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can be harmful to babies 6-12 months. It may cause digestive issues and is not recommended in baby food or formula.

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

⚠️5/10

Cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine which can affect infants. Small amounts in sweetened cereal may be tolerated but caution is advised for 6-12 month babies.

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

⚠️5/10

Natural flavor is a vague label that can cover many ingredients. It is used to make products taste better. For most 6 to 12 month olds small amounts are unlikely to cause harm, but the lack of disclosure increases the risk of allergy or intolerance.

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: MEDIUM

ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR

⚠️5/10

Artificial flavors are a vague category with potential unknown chemicals and some removed for safety. Use with caution in 6-12 month baby foods due to sensitivity and exposure risks.

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

SKIM MILK

⚠️5/10

Skimmed milk lacks essential fats and nutrients for infants under 12 months and is not recommended as a main drink but may be used in small amounts in foods

Confidence: HIGH

MILK

⚠️4/10

Organic milk is not recommended as a main drink for babies 6-12 months due to allergy and digestion concerns but may be used in small amounts in baby food.

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 PROCESSED WITH ALKALI

⚠️4/10

Cocoa processed with alkali is a known ingredient but not recommended for babies 6-12 months due to potential caffeine and theobromine content and alkalization effects. Use with caution.

No Known Risk - Dutch Process Cocoa is generally recognized as safe for consumption, including by babies, when used in moderation. There is no strong evidence linking it to any of the listed risks for babies, and it is not known to cause irritation, hormone disruption, or other health concerns at typical dietary levels.

Confidence: HIGH

PEANUTS

⚠️4/10

Peanuts are a known allergen but early introduction around 6 months may reduce allergy risk. Use with caution and consult pediatric guidance.

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

Confidence: HIGH

SALT

✅3/10

Salt is generally safe in small amounts for 6-12 month babies but excessive intake can strain kidneys. Likely used for flavor in sweetened cereal.

Confidence: HIGH

SUGAR

✅3/10

Sugar itself is not poisonous but added sugars should be limited for babies under two. Small natural sugars from fruit or the lactose in formula are expected.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA BUTTER

✅2/10

Organic fair-trade cocoa butter is a fat derived from cocoa beans. It is generally safe in small amounts but may cause allergies or digestive issues in some infants. Likely used 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

MALT EXTRACT

✅2/10

Malt extract is generally safe as a flavoring or sweetener in baby foods but may contain gluten and sugars so use with caution for 6-12 month olds.

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

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 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

PALM KERNEL OIL

✅1/10

Palm Kernel Oil is commonly used in baby foods as a fat source and is generally safe for babies 6-12 months in small amounts

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

PALM OIL

✅1/10

Vegetable oil from palm is commonly used in baby foods and formulas as a fat source and is generally safe for babies 6-12 months with no significant concerns.

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

RICE FLOUR

✅1/10

Rice flour is commonly used in baby cereals as a safe source of carbohydrates and is well tolerated by babies 6-12 months old

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

SOY LECITHIN

✅1/10

Soy lecithin is a common emulsifier in baby foods and formulas and is generally safe for babies 6-12 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

REDUCED PROTEIN WHEY

✅1/10

Reduced protein whey is a processed dairy ingredient with lower protein content used in baby formulas. It is generally safe for 6-12 month babies as a protein source.

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 baby foods and formulas as a fat source and is considered safe for 6-12 months babies

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

SHEA OIL

✅1/10

Shea oil is a natural fat used in cosmetics and sometimes in food. It is generally safe and non-toxic for babies 6-12 months in small amounts.

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

LACTOSE

✅0/10

Organic lactose is a natural milk sugar safe for infants and commonly used in formula and baby foods

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

MILK FAT

✅0/10

Milkfat is a common safe source of fat in baby formula and foods for 6-12 months babies

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

SUNFLOWER OIL

✅0/10

Sunflower oil is commonly used in baby foods as a safe source of fat and essential fatty acids for 6-12 month babies

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

Common Questions About HERSHEY'S miniatures

Safe for older babies? HERSHEY'S miniatures

HERSHEY'S miniatures is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potentially harmful ingredients.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 23 ingredients in HERSHEY'S miniatures. 1 concerning, 7 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

Is this appropriate for older babies to eating candy?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for 6-12 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.