Our Frequently Asked Questions section has the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our company and our website. Click on a question below to view the answers relating to your selection or view all answers. Links throughout the answers will guide you to further information on our website or from other sources. If you can't find what you're looking for or if you'd like to send us your comments, please consult our
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The Hershey Company (originally Hershey Chocolate Corporation) was organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 24, 1927, as a successor to a business founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey. For more information on the history of Hershey, visit The Hershey Company website.
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To view a list of products made by The Hershey Company, visit our Product webpage.
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The Hershey Company, 100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.
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The Hershey Company employs approximately 13,000 employees worldwide.
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The Hershey Company likes to hear from consumers about what they think about our products. However, in your communications with The Hershey Company, please keep in mind that The Hershey Company does not accept or consider any creative ideas or suggestions relating to products or marketing plans unless it has specifically requested them. Therefore, please do not send to The Hershey Company any creative or original materials such as ideas for products, or any other creative suggestions, ideas, concepts or other information. Our creative departments are continuously launching new product, packaging and marketing ideas. Often, these ideas are in the developmental stage for years prior to actually being launched.
If you choose to forward or transmit to Hershey's websites by electronic mail or otherwise any suggestion type communication or material, including any personal data, questions or answers, comments, suggestions, or the like, such material will be treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary. Furthermore, Hershey is free to use any ideas or concepts contained in any communication you send to Hershey's websites for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to developing, manufacturing and marketing products using such information without any compensation or credit to you. By submitting your idea to The Hershey Company without being requested to by The Hershey Company, you agree to these terms.
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The Hershey Company does not own Cadbury Schweppes. However, Hershey has license agreements with affiliated companies of Cadbury Schweppes p.l.c. to manufacture and/or market and distribute YORK, PETER PAUL ALMOND JOY and PETER PAUL MOUNDS confectionery products worldwide, as well as CADBURY and CARAMELLO confectionery products in the United States. Hershey's rights under these agreements are extendible on a long-term basis at the Corporation's option.
Hershey also has an agreement with Societe des Produits Nestle SA, which licenses Hershey to manufacture and distribute KIT KAT and ROLO confectionery products in the United States. Hershey's rights under this agreement are extendible on a long-term basis at Hershey's option, subject to certain conditions.
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Hershey's has unique and personalized chocolate gifts available through our Hershey's Gifts.
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Visit HersheysChocolateWorld.com to learn more about HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD Attraction and visit Discover Hershey to find information about our other exciting retail attraction.
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Call our Fund Raising Department at 1-800-803-6932 or visit HERSHEY'S Fund Raising for detailed information.
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For Investor Relations information and Investor Relations FAQs, visit the Investor Relations web page.
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Visit our online Newsroom to view the press releases.
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Many people don't realize that cocoa and therefore chocolate products deliver many naturally occurring compounds similar to other foods in a healthy, plant-based diet. Some of these beneficial compounds are minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper. Much of the current research is focused on another group of compounds called flavanols.
- Because of their molecular structure, many compounds in the flavanol family can act as antioxidants. Antioxidants can have a variety of beneficial effects in the body.
- The cocoa bean contains natural flavanol antioxidants, similar to those found in green tea, red wine and blueberries.
- Cocoa and dark chocolate are among the most concentrated sources of flavanol antioxidants.
- Short-term, preliminary studies have suggested that consumption of products containing cocoa and chocolate may provide cardiovascular benefits. So, while more research, including longer term studies, is needed, the preliminary evidence about the flavanols in chocolate is promising.
To learn more about flavanols in cocoa and chocolate, antioxidants, and other chocolate research, visit our Chocolate Products Information web page.
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The small amount of caffeine present in chocolate occurs naturally in the cocoa bean, unlike the caffeine in soft drinks which is added during the manufacturing process.
Here are some comparisons that may be helpful:
| Coffee |
8 fl. oz. |
65-120 mg |
| Cola-type soft drinks |
12 oz. |
30-55 mg |
| Milk Chocolate |
1 oz. |
5-10 mg |
| Dark Chocolate |
1.4 oz. |
7-50 mg |
The amounts of caffeine in specific HERSHEY'S chocolate products are listed on the Chocolate Products Caffeine page.
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Hershey produces a number of sugar free products that may be useful in a diet for people living with diabetes. Visit HERSHEY'S Sugar Free to learn more about our sugar free products.
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Most confectionery products are at their best flavor for one year after manufacture. Ingredients such as nuts will shorten the shelf life. Products kept beyond recommended "best before" date may have flavor loss or texture changes. Keep in mind, however, that storage conditions greatly affect the quality of our products.
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There is an ink stamped code on Hershey's products. Within that code, usually at the end, there is a two character code that represents the year and the month until which the product is expected to be within its peak freshness. The first character is a number, (0-9) that represents the year. The second character is a letter, (A-L) that represents the month. A=Jan., B=Feb., etc. For example, a code of 7D is best before until April 2007.
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Chocolate contains cocoa butter, a vegetable fat that is sensitive to heat and humidity. Temperatures above 75°F will cause chocolate to melt. The cocoa butter can rise to the surface and form a discoloration called "cocoa butter bloom." Condensation on milk or semi-sweet chocolate may cause the sugar to dissolve and rise to the surface as "sugar bloom." Chocolate that has "bloomed" is certainly safe to use, but flavor loss and texture changes may be noticed.
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Solid chocolate products will maintain their quality if well wrapped and stored in a cool, dry place (55-60°F). While refrigerated chocolate is certainly safe to use, we don't recommend it. Chocolate kept in the refrigerator may "sweat" when brought to room temperature and may not melt properly.
Cocoa is considered a non-perishable item which should maintain quality if stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.
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Hershey's product line is available to all distributors and retailers. Unfortunately, shelf-space in stores is limited. Retailers and distributors determine which items they stock based on consumer demand. Asking local store managers to stock a particular product often helps to expand the selection of our products on store shelves.
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No. Dutch processed cocoa has an alkalizing agent similar to baking soda added to neutralize the natural acidity of cocoa. It has a more mellow flavor and a darker color.
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Visit our kitchens website to view our Rich Cocoa Fudge Recipe and other delicious recipes.
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Yes. This substitution can also be found on each HERSHEY'S Cocoa can. 3 level tablespoons of cocoa plus 1 tablespoon shortening equals 1 ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate.
