Is Hershey's Milk Chocolate Vegan?
Not Vegan
Not certifiedHershey's Milk Chocolate bar contains multiple dairy-derived ingredients including milk, skim milk, and milk fat. It is not vegan in any of its standard forms.
The catch: The product is literally called "milk chocolate" because dairy is central to its recipe. Milk, skim milk, and milk fat are all listed ingredients, making this one of the clearest non-vegan calls in the chocolate aisle.
Category
Candy
Verdict
Not Vegan
Brand
Hershey's
55 oz) carries a current ingredient list of: sugar, chocolate, milk, cocoa butter, skim milk, milk fat, lecithin (soy), PGPR, and natural flavor. All three dairy entries (milk, skim milk, milk fat) are animal-derived, so there is no reading of the label that makes this product vegan.
This applies to all standard sizes, including the king-size and snack-size variants, which share the same formulation. Hershey does produce a certified vegan line under the "Hershey's Plant Based Oat Made" banner (oat milk, almonds, and sea salt), which carries Certified Vegan, Non-GMO Verified, and Kosher Parve certifications.
That line is the dairy-free option Hershey officially offers, but it is a separate product, not a reformulation of the classic bar. There are no regional US variations that omit dairy from the classic milk chocolate bar.
Strict vegans should also note that Hershey does not claim any animal-testing-free status on this product.
What makes it non-vegan
- ✕Milk
- ✕Skim Milk
- ✕Milk Fat
Vegan alternatives
- ✓ Hershey's Plant Based Oat Made Chocolate Bar (Almonds and Sea Salt)
- ✓ Endangered Species Oat Milk Chocolate Bar
- ✓ No Whey! Milkless Chocolate Bar
- ✓ Alter Eco Deep Dark Blackout Chocolate (dairy-free dark variety)
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Looking to make your own? Browse our vegan swaps.
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Frequently asked
Is Hershey's Milk Chocolate Vegan?
Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar contains multiple dairy-derived ingredients including milk, skim milk, and milk fat. It is not vegan in any of its standard forms.
What is the catch with Hershey's Milk Chocolate?
The product is literally called "milk chocolate" because dairy is central to its recipe. Milk, skim milk, and milk fat are all listed ingredients, making this one of the clearest non-vegan calls in the chocolate aisle.
What can I use instead of Hershey's Milk Chocolate?
Vegan options include Hershey's Plant Based Oat Made Chocolate Bar (Almonds and Sea Salt), Endangered Species Oat Milk Chocolate Bar, No Whey! Milkless Chocolate Bar, Alter Eco Deep Dark Blackout Chocolate (dairy-free dark variety).
Is Hershey's Milk Chocolate certified vegan?
Hershey's Milk Chocolate does not carry a third-party vegan certification, so the verdict here is based on its current ingredient list and manufacturer information.
Sources
Last verified June 20, 2026. See how we verify. Always confirm on the current product label, since recipes change. Product photo via Open Food Facts.
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