Hershey’s launches 2 new plant-based chocolates in the US! Will India get them?

March 9th, 2023

Vegan chocolate lovers, there’s big news! Hershey’s, one of the most loved chocolate brands across the world, is launching two new vegan chocolates in the US — Plant-based Extra Creamy Oat Chocolate Bar and Reese’s Plant-Based Peanut Butter Cups. 

While the vegan Peanut Butter Cups will be available across stores in the United States this month, the oat milk chocolate bars with almonds and sea salt will be on the American shelves by April. Are you excited just like we are? 

Source: CNN

WHY HAS HERSHEY’S INTRODUCED VEGAN CHOCOLATES? 

As reported by international media, Hershey’s said that the company wants to cater to an increasing number of consumers who are now looking for dairy-free chocolates. Teal Liu, brand manager of Hershey’s ‘Better For You’ line of products, said these new vegan chocolates will widen the options for “chocolate lovers looking for plant-based alternatives”. According to a report by California-based Grand View Research, the global plant-based chocolate market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2021 to 2028.

A survey conducted by Euromonitor, a London-based market research company in 2021, stated that 54% of consumers falling under the Gen Z category limited animal products in their diets, when compared to 34% of the older generation born between 1946 and 1964. Thus, it is no surprise that this move from Hershey’s comes after other major chocolate brands like Nestle and Mondolez launched vegan chocolates internationally in 2021. 

HERSHEY’S PLANT-BASED CHOCOLATES: PRICE & CALORIES

The vegan versions of Hershey’s chocolates will be priced slightly higher than their original counterparts. A US retailer is selling a packet of Reese’s Plant-Based Peanut Butter Cups, which contains 2 cups each, for $2.49. This is around $1 more than the price of a regular Peanut Butter Cup. 

However, in terms of calories, there will be no difference between the original and plant-based version of the chocolate. Both Peanut Butter Cups, which weigh 1.4-1.5 ounces, will contain 210 calories. 

WHEN WILL HERSHEY'S VEGAN CHOCOLATES COME TO INDIA? 

We contacted Hershey’s India representatives to find out when these vegan chocolate offerings will be available in India. Unfortunately, they were not available for an immediate response. However, as per a statement given by Hershey’s to international publications, they are planning to focus on the US market for the time being.

We will inform you as soon as we have more information on this. Watch this space for further updates on the same.