Hershey ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Hershey

Hershey's is America's most recognized chocolate brand, but its US formulas differ significantly from international competitors and even its own products sold in other markets. US Hershey's uses polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), a cheaper emulsifier than lecithin, to reduce cocoa butter content. Some Hershey products contain TBHQ as a preservative. Hershey's Jolly Ranchers and other candies use synthetic dyes restricted in the EU.

Common concerns with Hershey products

{"ingredient_slug":"tbhq","ingredient_name":"TBHQ","found_in_product":"Hershey's Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (certain varieties)","concern":"Used as antioxidant preservative. EU and UK restrict TBHQ to 100mg/kg in fats and oils. Linked to immune system effects in animal studies."}; {"ingredient_slug":"red-dye-40","ingredient_name":"Red 40","found_in_product":"Jolly Ranchers, Twizzlers (Hershey products)","concern":"EU/UK hyperactivity warning; FDA phase-out announced April 2025."}; {"ingredient_slug":"blue-dye-1","ingredient_name":"Blue 1","found_in_product":"Jolly Ranchers (blue varieties)","concern":"EU warning label required; not used in European candy equivalents."}