I get a lot of questions about the safety of various candies so I thought I would share this updated Hershey candy info with you. One of the members from my local food allergy support group spent a long time on the phone with a Hershey's rep and e-mailed everyone a list of safe candies.
Like me, a lot of you have probably called Hershey in the past. They have pretty thorough information on their labels, according to the reps I've spoken to and appear to take appropriate safety protocols. For those of you who want a nut-free facility for your chocolates, of course I will plug Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates once again!
I have used most of the following Hershey's products and they've worked out fine for my severely nut-allergic daughter. However, depending on your situation, they may not work for you. Always check with your doctor if you've got additional questions.
OK, with the disclaimer out of the way, here is the list of Hershey's candies that are currently "safe" for people allergic to tree nuts and peanuts:
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar - regular size 1.5 oz (KING Size or any other size of this bar does have cross contamination)--- this bar is made on a dedicated line 24 hours per day (does contain milk)
Jolly Ranchers - hard candy
Twizzlers - Strawberry (does contain wheat and soy)
York Peppermint Patty (does contain milk)
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Kisses (does contain milk)
Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
Hershey's Cocoa Powder (for baking)
Let me know if you have any questions or if you have anything to add. Thanks!
Friday, June 12, 2009
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14 comments:
Thanks for including the "does contain milk" statements on these products.
I bake with Hershey's Unsweetened Cocoa for my dairy, egg, nut and peanut allergic child.
This is such great information, thank you so much for passing it on. Just double checking what I read, the kisses are made on a dedicated line? Oh my, would this be so nice. I have not ventured down this road....
so interesting that the regular bar has it's own line but other sizes do not. and that they are nut free at all actually.
wonder abt cocoa powder?
Elaine, only the reg. size Hershey bars have a dedicated line. I don't have this info about the kisses--yet.
Also, I revised the post to contain Cocoa Powder. That's safe for nut allergies and doesn't contain milk.
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
This is great info! Thanks so much.
And just so I'm clear re: kisses. You're saying that while they are NOT made on a dedicated nut-free line, your nut-allergic daughter has eaten them without incident?
If so, that's awesome. I've always been kinda afraid of them (based on nothing...come to think of it).
wow! I intend on purchasing these products from now on! I have always been concerned about the cross-contamination issue...but my 4 yr old is going to be ecstatic to now use the syryp on ice cream and have the other candies mentioned!!!
do you know anything about the safety of guar gum and/or carob bean powder for pnut/nut allergic kids? just realized this is in her vanilla ice cream and the betty crocker brownie mix...not sure if I should use them now.
thanks so much!
Thanks for this helpful info!
Hi guys---
I want to clarify about Hershey chocolates. According to the customer service reps, I've spoken to over the phone, the company will always list if something may contain an allergen--that is, the item was processed on the same lines with nut products.
If an allergy warning statement is not included in their ingredients list, then you can assume (according to Hershey) that they are not processing the food on the same production lines as for example, nut-containing products.
The e-mail I received from the support group regarding Hershey did not say whether or not Hershey plain milk chocolate kisses are made on dedicated lines, but I've never read a nut warning statement on them so I have deemed them "safe" based on the fact that Hershey claims they will list allergens on their products if there is even a chance that there has been cross-contact.
Since several of you have had questions about the Hershey's Kisses, I will e-mail them myself and get some answers.
I'm sorry for the confusion--I should have stated Hershey's allergen listing policy up front.
any word about their dark chocolate baking chips or kisses?
For those interested in nut free chocolate syrup -- Ah!laska makes a chocolate syrup that is on dedicated lines and nut free. I have seen it at wholefoods and other natural/organic grocery stores. Here is the link:
http://www.ahlaska.com/productlist.aspx?catid=Dessert+Toppings
Also wanted to add that (American) Smarties candy are allergen free, dairy free and gluten free. A great safe option for a sweet treat!
Let's not forget Tootsie Rolls, Andes Candies and Charleston Chews. I know nothing beats a Hershey's Kiss, but knowing Tootsie Rolls and the others are made in a nut free facility makes them taste that much better.
Oh yes, Smarties and Tootsie Rolls are great allergy-free options. We are big fans of both candies for the reason that they are allergy-free!
My daughter is milk and nut allergic. I order chocolate from amandasown.com
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