Welcome to the Chocolate Lab
Curiosity, meet chocolate. Explore the science behind what make HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate so delicious.
Chocolate is Simple Until You Look Closer
At first glance, chocolate is just a handful of ingredients. But small changes, like temperature, ratios or process, can completely transform how it looks, tastes, and feels.
Step into the lab to explore what’s really happening!
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
- Chocolate Liquor
- Cocoa Butter
- Sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Soy Lecithin
Chocolate Liquor (choc·o·late li·quor)
What it does
No, milk chocolate bars aren’t alcoholic! Chocolate liquor is made from pure cocoa mass found in the center of cocoa beans. It’s ground into a liquid and becomes the base of your chocolate bar.
Cocoa Butter (co·coa but·ter)
What it does
Cocoa butter is the main fat in chocolate. It’s extracted from cacao beans and helps give milk chocolate its texture, flavor and melting properties.
Sugar (sug·ar)
What it does
Cocoa is naturally bitter, so sugar helps to balance out the flavor. Milk chocolate has more sugar than dark chocolate, which is what makes it sweeter.
Milk Powder (‘milk pow·der)
What it does
Regular milk would add too much liquid content to chocolate. Instead, we use milk powder, a dried, concentrated milk product. Milk powder is made by removing the liquid from milk and grinding down the remaining solids. This powder helps give chocolate its rich, creamy consistency.
Vanilla (va·nil·la)
What it does
Even though vanilla itself isn’t sweet, it brings out the sweetness in other flavors. Vanilla is added to milk chocolate to enhance its creamy taste.
Soy Lecithin (ˈsȯi lec·i·thin)
What it does
Soy lecithin is a fat-derived ingredient from soybeans. It acts as an emulsifier that stops ingredients from separating.
More Fun With Chocolate
Take your chocolate science out of the lab and into the world. Use what you’ve learned to bake, shop and experiment with other flavors and treats.
Get ready to find your new favorite bake with family-friendly recipes for all skill levels.
Enjoy classic treats and discover new favorites with candy and snacks from 30+ iconic brands.
Find tips, recipes and party ideas that turn any occasion into a celebration.
Get ready to find your new favorite bake with family-friendly recipes for all skill levels.
Enjoy classic treats and discover new favorites with candy and snacks from 30+ iconic brands.
Find tips, recipes and party ideas that turn any occasion into a celebration.
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.
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.
