Almond Joy ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Almond Joy

Almond Joy is a coconut and almond chocolate bar produced by The Hershey Company, sold at grocery chains, mass retailers, and convenience stores across the US. It has been on the market since 1946 and is one of Hershey's iconic candy bar brands. Its sister product, Mounds, contains the same coconut filling without almonds.

Common concerns with Almond Joy products

Almond Joy contains PGPR (polyglycerol polyricinoleate), a synthetic emulsifier used to replace cocoa butter and reduce costs — banned or restricted in several countries' confectionery standards. The chocolate coating uses artificial flavors and the product contains added TBHQ preservative in some formulations. High sugar content and processed palm kernel oil are additional concerns. Hershey has announced reformulation plans to remove synthetic dyes across its portfolio by 2027.