- A Great Tasting, Sensible Snack for Low-Carb Lifestyles -

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec 18, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- Today, more than 30 million Americans are watching their carbohydrate intake. Hershey's 1 g Sugar Carb bars are being introduced to deliver the great Hershey's taste in a sweet snack that is compatible with this increasingly popular lifestyle.

"Consumer interest in foods for low-carb lifestyles is on the rise," said Thomas K. Hernquist, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Hershey Foods Corporation. "We are excited to introduce a product that not only fits this lifestyle, but gives consumers a new snack choice that delivers the great chocolate taste for which Hershey is famous."

Hershey's 1 g Sugar Carb bars are formulated with sugar alcohols and fiber in place of traditional sweeteners, delivering a great-tasting product with only 1 gram of sugar per 1.1 oz. bar. The chocolate candy flavor contains about 20% fewer calories than a regular Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Hershey's 1g Sugar Carb bars have minimal impact on blood sugar levels, an important key to maintaining a low-carb lifestyle.

Hershey's 1 g Sugar Carb line will include three flavors, chocolate candy, chocolate candy with almonds and chocolate candy with soy crisps and will retail for approximately $1.19 - $1.49. Product will begin shipping during the first quarter of 2004.

A full multi-media and in-store promotion campaign will support this new addition to the Hershey family of leading brands.

Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) is the leading North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery and chocolate-related grocery products. Some of the company's most popular products include Hershey's(R) chocolate and chocolate with almonds bars, Hershey's(R) Kisses(R) brand chocolates, Reese's(R) peanut butter cups, Jolly Rancher(R) and Twizzlers(R) candies, Hershey's(R) cocoa, and Hershey's(R) syrup. The company also is a market leader in the gum and mint category, with such well-known brands as Ice Breakers(R), Breath Savers(R), and Bubble Yum(R).

SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation

Judy Hogarth, Hershey Foods Corporation, +1-717-534-7631