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Welcome to the Chocolate Lab

Curiosity, meet chocolate. Explore the science behind what make HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate so delicious.

Discover the Science of Chocolate

Milk chocolate is made from a few simple ingredients: cocoa, sugar and milk. But by changing its temperature, ratios or process, you can turn your chocolate bar into something completely new.

Ready to discover the science behind the sweet? Peel back the wrapper and step into the lab! We’re adding even more to explore, so check back soon.

The Chocolate Lab

There are so many ways to enjoy HERSHEY’S chocolate. Milk chocolate behaves different depending on its temperature. But whether it’s room temperature, warm or melty, chocolate is always a fun and delicious treat!

Room Temperature Chocolate

When you bite into a HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Candy Bar, you’re probably eating room temperature chocolate. It’s the classic way to enjoy a chocolate bar!

Ready to Eat

When you buy a chocolate bar, the chocolate is at room temperature.

Give It A Snap

Room temperature chocolate snaps when you break it.

The Perfect Temperature

Keep your chocolate at 60–70°F. At this temperature, your chocolate will stay solid and taste the best.

Take a Bite

The best way to enjoy room temperature chocolate is to take a bite!

Warm Chocolate

Ever wonder why milk chocolate “bends”? Warm up your chocolate bar and see why “bendy” chocolate is a natural (and tasty) way to eat your favorite sweet!

Warm It Up

A warm day or a campfire will warm your chocolate.

Trust the Bend

When your chocolate warms up to about 80°F, it may start to “bend” instead of snap. This is normal for real milk chocolate!

Ooey Gooey Fun

It isn’t melted, but it’s gooier than solid chocolate.

S’mores Approved

Soft, bendy chocolate is perfect for s’mores!

Melted Chocolate

Don’t throw out that melty chocolate bar! Melted milk chocolate makes the perfect topping for ice cream, fruit, popcorn and more.

Is it Hot in Here?

When chocolate is heated to 86-90°F, it melts into a smooth liquid.

Melt With You

Humans have an average temperature of 98.6°F. Chocolate will melt in your hand because your body temperature is higher than the melting point of chocolate.

More Milk, More Melt

Milk chocolate melts more quickly than dark chocolate. The more milk in your chocolate, the lower its melting point.

Dip Away

Dip fruit or pretzels into melted chocolate for a delicious treat.

Let’s Get Started in our Chocolate Lab

There are so many ways to enjoy HERSHEY’S chocolate. Milk chocolate behaves different depending on its temperature. But whether it’s room temperature, warm or melty, chocolate is always a fun and delicious treat!

Where do you want to start?

Room Temperature Chocolate

student eating their custom hersheys chocolate bar
How to Make Your Own Chocolate Bar

You can make your own custom HERSHEY’S bar at home! All you need is milk chocolate, your favorite add-ins, and a few simple tools to become an amateur chocolatier.

family experiencing hersheys chocolate tour ride at chocolate world
Learn More At the Home of HERSHEY’s Chocolate

Take your chocolate knowledge to the next level by visiting HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD! Learn how our iconic milk chocolate is made, make your own chocolate bar and more.