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Brand founded in the United States, 1894 · about the brand
Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 1.8 ShowHide
Scored as a condiment: nutrition is judged on what a 30 g serving delivers — a typical single use — not on the per-100g figures, which describe a quantity of this product nobody eats. The per-100g panel is still shown in full below.
Reviewed 4 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is held down by this product's nutrition profile, which dominates the assessment regardless of the rest of the formulation. This sauce is primarily a blend of sugars, making it a high-sugar condiment. A significant concern is the presence of ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen due to its 4-MEI by-product. While the product is intended for use in small serving sizes, individuals concerned about sugar intake or specific food additives should exercise caution.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
High in sugar; contains IARC-classified ammonia caramel colour
The score is held down by this product's nutrition profile, which dominates the assessment regardless of the rest of the formulation. This sauce is predominantly sugar, with multiple forms listed at the top of the ingredient list. It also contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which has a by-product classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. While used in small amounts, it's not suitable for those monitoring sugar intake or avoiding certain additives.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Looking for a lower-sugar option — Added sugar is 63 g per 100 g.
Declared allergens: Milk
Relevant if you have this allergy or intolerance.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for food. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Saturated fat 0 g · trans fat 0 g per 100 g/ml
Why the score is capped
Very high added sugar
Rule F-CAP-01
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
Highly processed (NOVA) and high in sugar
Rule F-CAP-07
Flavour not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is
Rule F-CAP-13
Watch out for
Very high added sugar content from multiple sources.
Presence of ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) with IARC Group 2B classification.
Sequestrants — generic term for additives that improve stability and shelf life.
Decode Label Analysis
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which has a 4-MEI by-product classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans) when ingested. This is a significant concern for regular consumption.
High sugar content from multiple sources (Sugar, Liquid Glucose, Invert Sugar) is a significant nutritional concern, especially for individuals managing blood sugar or weight.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The ingredients list 'Flavour (Artificial Flavouring Substance-Caramel)', which supports the claim of caramel flavor.
The nutrition information states 0 mg of Cholesterol per 100g.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Sugar
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2.
Water
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3.
Liquid Glucose
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4.
Invert Sugar
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5.
Milk Solids
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6.
SequestrantsSodium phosphates (INS 339)Sequestrants (339(ii),331(iii))
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7.
Edible Common Salt
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8.
Flavour undisclosed flavouringFlavour (Artificial Flavouring Substance-Caramel)
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9.
ThickenerXanthan gum (INS 415)Thickener (415)
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10.
PreservativePotassium sorbate (INS 202)Preservative(202)
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11.
Natural and Synthetic Food Colours synthetic colourAmmonia caramel (INS 150C), Ponceau 4R (INS 124)Natural and Synthetic Food Colours (150c and 124)
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 259.2 kcal |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 66 g |
| Total Sugars | 65.7 g |
| Added Sugars | 63 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 416.5 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label. This is a condiment — used by the pinch or the spoonful, not eaten by the plate — so a red row here means the product is dense in that nutrient, not that a serving of it is. The score judges its nutrition on what a 30 g serving actually delivers.
Compare with other sauces spreads products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
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What are the ingredients in Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup?
The label of Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup lists 11 ingredients, in label order: Sugar, Water, Liquid Glucose, Invert Sugar, Milk Solids, Sequestrants, Edible Common Salt, Flavour, Thickener, Preservative, Natural and Synthetic Food Colours. Flagged by the analysis: Natural and Synthetic Food Colours, Sequestrants.
Is Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup safe to eat?
Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup scores 1.8/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is held down by this product's nutrition profile, which dominates the assessment regardless of the rest of the formulation. This sauce is predominantly sugar, with multiple forms listed at the top of the ingredient list. It also contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which has a by-product classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. While used in small amounts, it's not suitable for those monitoring sugar intake or avoiding certain additives.
Why does Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup score 1.8/10?
Flagged in the score: Sequestrants — generic term for additives that improve stability and shelf life. Also noted: Very high added sugar content from multiple sources. Presence of ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) with IARC Group 2B classification.
Who should avoid Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: High sugar diet; Sensitivity to food additives; Concerns about IARC Group 2B carcinogens; Milk allergy / lactose intolerance.
Does Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains milk (Milk Solids). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names Milk Solids. People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Is Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup high in sugar?
Yes — 65.7 g of total sugar per 100 g, above the 22.5 g per 100 g that UK front-of-pack labelling marks as high. The label declares 63 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Are the claims on the Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup pack accurate?
Yes — all 2 claims on the pack checked out against the ingredient list and nutrition panel.
Is Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup vegetarian?
Hershey's Caramel Flavored Syrup is marked vegetarian.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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