Is One Hershey's Double Chocolate Protein Bar Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is vegan, we have to look beyond the main flavor profile and inspect the source of the protein. In the case of the One Hershey's Double Chocolate Protein Bar, the verdict is clear: it is not vegan. The primary issue lies in the protein sources used to create the bar's structure and nutritional profile.

The very first ingredient listed is milk, followed later by whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making industry and is strictly derived from cow's milk. The inclusion of milk protein concentrate further cements the dairy content. These ingredients are not just incidental additives; they are the foundation of the bar's protein count (20 grams). Because these ingredients are animal-derived, the product cannot be considered vegan.

There are also other ingredients that often raise questions in the vegan community. Soy lecithin, which is used here as an emulsifier, is plant-derived and perfectly vegan. However, the sucralose used as an artificial sweetener is generally considered vegan, though some strict vegans avoid it due to animal testing concerns. The main dealbreaker, however, remains the heavy presence of milk and whey derivatives throughout the ingredient list.

Nutritional Value

While this bar isn't vegan, it is marketed as a high-protein snack. Each bar contains 20 grams of protein, which is a significant amount for a convenient snack. However, this protein comes with a trade-off in terms of sugar alcohols and fats. The bar uses maltitol and isomalto-oligosaccharides as sweeteners and fiber sources. Maltitol is a sugar alcohol known to cause digestive discomfort in some people, particularly if consumed on an empty stomach.

In terms of calories and sugar, the bar sits at 230 calories with 17 grams of sugar. While 17 grams of sugar is lower than a standard candy bar, it is still a considerable amount for a health-focused product. The fat content is moderate at 9 grams, derived largely from palm oil and palm kernel oil. While these are plant-derived oils, they are often a point of contention for environmental reasons rather than dietary ones. Overall, the nutritional profile is that of a calorie-dense, high-protein snack that fits into a diet where dairy is permitted.