Here’s some great news for sweet tooths out there who follow plant-based diets–chocolate company Hershey’s will be introducing more chocolates made from plant-based ingredients soon!
The home of big chocolate brands such as Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, KitKat, and Twizzlers announced that they’re planning to include plant-based alternatives, as well as options with reduced sugar, in their “better-for-you” (BFY) category. “Better-for-you snackers represent a variety of interests, from those seeking portion-control to plant-based ingredients. And when it comes to candy, sugar reduction is a shared interest they all have in common,” Hershey’s said.
Product photos from: Facebook/HersheysPhilippines, Instagram/hersheysargentina
Better-for-you
Hershey’s BFY category and confection strategy will be done in partnership with sweetener company ASR Group, with hopes to bring “lower-cost, plant-based sugar alternatives” to consumers.
Kristen Riggs, Hershey’s Chief Growth Officer said, “We are the leader in U.S. confection, and our consumers rely on us to understand their needs for everyday moments, seasons and special occasions, offering high-quality and great tasting candy that’s accessible for everyone.”
Together, Hershey’s and ASR Group will be investing in the start-up company Bonumose, Inc., an “early-stage food ingredient and enzyme innovation company” known for its breakthrough creations such as plant-based ingredient alternatives.
“ASR Group is the world’s leading cane sugar refiner and marketer,” Bonumose CEO and Co-Founder Ed Rogers said. “Similarly, we admire Hershey’s longstanding legacy and commitment to innovation and appreciate their support in helping Bonumose achieve our mission of making delicious, plant-based sugar alternatives affordable for more consumers.”
Long-term plans
The Hershey Company’s plans to include healthier options will not just be for a limited timeâ –they’re gearing up to continuously expand the options available under the BFY category from now on!
“We are setting the foundation for long-term sustainable growth in the better-for-you category at Hershey,” the company’s President (U.S.), Chuck Raup, said.
“Everything we do is led by our consumers and our commitment to deliver only the most delicious snacks. We are driven to provide more choices to ensure they enjoy our brands and products in ways that are right for them,” he added.
More portion-controlled options like Reese’s THiNs and Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates, as well as plant-based options like KitKat V will be arriving soon! For now, Hershey’s fans could enjoy one of their latest offerings, Reese’s “Ultimate Peanut Butter Lovers” cups, which will already be available this April.
