Dark chocolate is chocolate that contains a high percentage of cocoa solids and little to no milk solids. Many dark chocolate enthusiasts believe that for dark chocolate to be considered “real,” it must contain a minimum of 70% cocoa solids. This raises the question – with a relatively low cocoa percentage, is Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate, ranging from 45-60% cocoa, actually real dark chocolate? Let’s take a detailed look at how Hershey’s dark chocolate stacks up.
What is Dark Chocolate?
Dark chocolate is made from cacao beans that undergo a process of fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding to produce cocoa mass or chocolate liquor. Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate contains little to no milk solids and more cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
The FDA has set standards for products labeled as “dark chocolate.” To be called dark chocolate, a product must contain a minimum of 35% cocoa solids. However, many chocolate experts argue that 35% cocoa is not enough to produce the rich, complex flavor that makes true dark chocolate so prized. Most agree that dark chocolate must contain at least 60-70% cocoa to be considered high quality.
Here are some key attributes of real dark chocolate:
- Cocoa percentage of 60% or higher
- Intense chocolate flavor with slight bitterness
- Low sugar content compared to milk chocolate
- High antioxidant content from cocoa
- Smooth, slow melting texture
Cocoa Percentage in Hershey’s Special Dark
Hershey’s Special Dark has a wide range of cocoa percentages depending on the variety:
- Special Dark Mild – 45% cocoa
- Special Dark – 48% cocoa
- Special Dark Extra Rich – 60% cocoa
The Special Dark Extra Rich with 60% cocoa just meets the minimum to be considered high quality dark chocolate by purists. The other options with 45-48% cocoa fall short of that 60% mark.
Ingredients in Hershey’s Dark Chocolate
Here is the ingredient list for a standard Hershey’s Special Dark bar with 48% cocoa:
- Sugar
- Cocoa butter
- Chocolate
- Cocoa processed with alkali
- Milk fat
- Natural flavor
The key points are:
- Sugar is the first ingredient, meaning it is the largest component.
- Contains additional cocoa butter beyond the cocoa solids.
- Has a small amount of milk fat.
- Cocoa is processed with alkali to mellow flavor.
The alkali processing and milk fat are signs that Hershey’s Special Dark is not a chocolate purist’s idea of dark chocolate.
Flavor Profile
So how does Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate actually taste?
Here is a flavor profile comparison between Hershey’s dark chocolate and a high quality 70% cocoa dark chocolate:
| Hershey’s Special Dark | 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Mild chocolate flavor | Intense chocolate flavor |
| Very sweet | Moderate sweetness |
| Smooth, creamy texture | Slow melting, smooth texture |
| Hint of bitterness | Prominent bitterness |
The main difference is Hershey’s Special Dark has a much milder chocolate taste and is sweeter compared to a dark chocolate with 70% cocoa. It lacks the rich chocolate intensity and bitterness of higher percentage dark chocolate.
Health Benefits
Dark chocolate is prized for its health benefits thanks to antioxidant compounds called flavonoids. The higher the cocoa percentage, the more antioxidants dark chocolate contains.
Here’s how Hershey’s Special Dark compares to 70% cocoa chocolate in antioxidant content:
| Hershey’s Special Dark | 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate |
|---|---|
| 128 mg flavonoids per oz | 528 mg flavonoids per oz |
The 70% cocoa chocolate has over 4 times more antioxidants. While Hershey’s Special Dark has some flavonoids, a higher cocoa percentage would provide more health benefits.
Cost Comparison
One benefit of Hershey’s Special Dark is that it’s inexpensive compared to high-end dark chocolate.
Here’s a cost comparison of similarly sized chocolate bars:
| Chocolate Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hershey’s Special Dark (3.5oz) | $3.50 |
| 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (3oz) | $6.00 |
You can buy a Hershey’s dark chocolate bar for about half the price of a 70% cocoa bar. The lower cost makes it more affordable for daily snacking or baking.
Uses in Cooking and Baking
While Hershey’s Special Dark may not satisfy dark chocolate purists, it can be a handy baking staple thanks to its widely available, budget-friendly price tag. Here are some uses for Hershey’s dark chocolate in the kitchen:
- Substitute for semi-sweet chocolate in cookies, brownies, etc.
- Make chocolate frosting or ganache.
- Add to pancakes and waffles.
- Blend into milkshakes or smoothies.
- Flavor dessert sauces like chocolate syrup.
- Make easy chocolate bark or candies.
You don’t have to temper Hershey’s dark chocolate, making it easy to incorporate into recipes. It provides chocolate flavor without the fuss of baking with high quality dark chocolate.
Conclusion
Is Hershey’s dark chocolate real dark chocolate? It depends who you ask. By FDA standards, Hershey’s Special Dark does meet the requirements to be labeled as dark chocolate. However, it doesn’t meet the higher 60%+ cocoa content preferred by many chocolate connoisseurs to be considered high quality.
The pros of Hershey’s dark chocolate are its inexpensive price point, widely available for purchase, and versatility in baking recipes. The downsides are its milder chocolate taste and lower antioxidant content compared to darker varieties.
While Hershey’s may not offer the same depth of chocolate flavor or nutritional benefits, it can be the perfect choice for family-friendly recipes, holiday baking, and candy making on a budget. The higher cocoa Special Dark Extra Rich version also provides an option for consumers who want that added richness.
Overall, Hershey’s dark chocolate blends accessibility and affordability, making it a pantry staple with classic chocolatey appeal. Just don’t expect it to compare to the complex flavor and indulgence of ultra-dark chocolate – as a “everyday” dark chocolate, it’s in a league of its own.