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Brand founded in the United States, 1894 · about the brand
HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 1.5 ShowHide
Reviewed 6 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This chocolate candy is primarily a source of added sugars, with both Sugar and Liquid Glucose listed as the main ingredients. While it contains some Cocoa Solids and Cocoa Butter, which offer antioxidants, the overall nutritional profile is dominated by sugar. Trace amounts of Raspberry and Goji are present but are not counted as a formulation strength. This product is best consumed in strict moderation, especially by children, due to its high sugar content and the presence of additives.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cocoa Solids
- Cocoa butter
- Papaya
High in added sugar; contains additives and synthetic colors.
This chocolate candy is very high in added sugars, with sugar and liquid glucose as the primary ingredients. It also contains several additives, including stabilizers, flavors, and synthetic food colors, which raise transparency concerns. While it has some cocoa, the overall nutritional value is limited by the high sugar content and processing. It's best consumed sparingly, particularly by children.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Looking for a lower-sugar option — Added sugar is 64.6 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 8 g · trans fat 0.1 g per 100 g/ml
Infants under 1
AvoidContains added sugar, which is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitHigh added sugar content from Sugar and Liquid Glucose can contribute to dental caries and unhealthy eating habits. Synthetic Food Colours are linked to hyperactivity in some children.
Why the score is capped
Very high added sugar
Rule F-CAP-01
Contains Tartrazine (INS 102) and Carmoisine (INS 122), synthetic colours linked to hyperactivity in children; the EU requires a pack warning for each
Rule F-CAP-18 · Source: McCann et al., Lancet 2007; EFSA 2009; EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex V warning
Highly processed (NOVA) and high in sugar
Rule F-CAP-07
Stabilizers, flavours, colours not disclosed — 3 additive classes are named without saying which substances they are
Rule F-CAP-13
What's good
Contains Cocoa Solids and Cocoa Butter, which offer some antioxidants and natural fats.
Includes real Fruit Pulp (Papaya) contributing natural fruit content.
Watch out for
Very high added sugar content from Sugar and Liquid Glucose.
Lack of transparency regarding specific Stabilizers, Flavours, Emulsifier, and Glazing Agent.
Presence of Synthetic Food Colours, which may be a concern for children.
Trace amounts of Raspberry and Goji are not counted as a formulation strength.
Decode Label Analysis
Product is very high in added sugars (Sugar, Liquid Glucose) which can contribute to dental issues, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic diseases when consumed in excess.
Contains 'Synthetic Food Colours' which have been linked to hyperactivity in some children.
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.
This describes the product’s packaging or its category, not a testable attribute of the food itself — so it’s classified separately rather than flagged as a doubtful claim.
The term 'EXOTIC DARK' is a marketing descriptor and not a quantifiable claim that can be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
While cocoa solids and cocoa butter are listed, the term 'Dark Cocoa Rich' is subjective and not quantifiable from the provided label information to confirm its richness level.
The ingredients list Raspberry (0.14%) and Goji (0.14%) as fruit pulp components, and nature identical & artificial flavouring substances for Raspberry, confirming the flavored center.
The ingredients list fruit pulp (Raspberry and Goji) and flavorings, indicating a flavored center within the chocolate.
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.
Liquid Glucose
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3.
Cocoa Solids 13%Cocoa Solids (#13%)
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4.
Cocoa Butter
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5.
Fruit Pulp 5.6%Fruit Pulp (#5.6%)
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Papaya 5.3% within Fruit PulpPapaya(#5.3%)
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Raspberry 0.14% within Fruit Pulp trace amountRaspberry (#0.14%)
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Goji 0.14% within Fruit Pulp trace amountGoji (#0.14%)
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6.
StabilizersStabilizers (440,414,331(iii),1400)
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7.
Milk Solids
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8.
Acidity RegulatorMalic acid (INS 296)Acidity Regulator (296)
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9.
Flavours undisclosed flavouringFlavours [Nature Identical & Artificial Flavouring Substances (Raspberry, Vanilla and Green Apple)]
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10.
EmulsifierLecithin (INS 322)Emulsifier (322(i))
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11.
Edible Common Salt
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12.
Synthetic Food Colours synthetic colourSynthetic Food Colours (122,102,133)
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13.
Glazing AgentShellac (INS 904)Glazing Agent (904)
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
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.
The label declares each of these as a blend and then lists what is in it. The components appear in the groups above on their own merits, so the blend itself is shown here rather than counted a second time.
✓ 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 | 453 kcal |
| Protein | 1.74 g |
| Carbohydrate | 80.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 64.7 g |
| Added Sugars | 64.6 g |
| Total Fat | 13.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.05 g |
| Sodium | 61 mg |
| Cholesterol | 14 mg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
Compare with other chocolate candy 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 Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor?
The label of HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor lists 16 ingredients, in label order: Sugar, Liquid Glucose, Cocoa Solids, Cocoa butter, Fruit Pulp, Papaya, Raspberry, Goji, Stabilizers, Milk Solids, Acidity Regulator, Flavours, Emulsifier, Edible Common Salt, Synthetic Food Colours, Glazing Agent. None of them is flagged by the analysis.
Is HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor safe to eat?
HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor scores 1.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This chocolate candy is very high in added sugars, with sugar and liquid glucose as the primary ingredients. It also contains several additives, including stabilizers, flavors, and synthetic food colors, which raise transparency concerns. While it has some cocoa, the overall nutritional value is limited by the high sugar content and processing. It's best consumed sparingly, particularly by children.
Why does HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor score 1.5/10?
What the analysis notes: Very high added sugar content from Sugar and Liquid Glucose. Lack of transparency regarding specific Stabilizers, Flavours, Emulsifier, and Glazing Agent. Presence of Synthetic Food Colours, which may be a concern for children.
Who should avoid HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Diabetes; Insulin resistance; Hyperactivity concerns (due to synthetic colors); Dietary restrictions (due to undisclosed additives); Milk allergy / lactose intolerance.
Is HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor 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 Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor 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 Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor high in sugar?
Yes — 64.7 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 64.6 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Are the claims on the HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "EXOTIC DARK" — can't be verified from the label. "Dark Cocoa Rich Chocolates" — can't be verified from the label.
Is HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor vegetarian?
HERSHEY'S Exotic Dark Raspberry &Goji Flavor is marked non-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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Recipes change and packs get reformulated. If the ingredients or the panel on the pack in your hand differ from what we show, tell us and we will check it.
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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