Hershey Candy Bars Are A Little Less Sinful

(RTTNews) - Chocolate company Hershey Co. (HSY) said it will increase the visibility of nutrition information and portion options of its snacks as well as reduce the sweets' calorie count.

The move is part of the company's ongoing efforts to offer a broad range of snacks and clear information in response to feedback from consumers, who are shifting to healthier foods.

Hershey said that by 2022, 50 percent of its total portfolio of individually wrapped standard- and king-size confectionery products will be 200 calories or less. In addition, all Hershey's standard- and king-size confectionery products will have "easy-to-read front-of-pack calorie labels" by the end of next year.

Currently, about 31 percent of Hershey standard- and king-size confectionery products are 200 calories or less, while 70 percent of products carry the Facts Up Front calorie label.

Hershey also noted that new king-size options that enable consumers to more easily share or save a piece for later will be available by 2020. This means its candy bars might be broken into two or three pieces in the package instead of coming in one large piece.

Michele Buck, president and chief executive officer of Hershey said, "Consumers are at the heart of all that we do and we have been at the forefront of providing the choice and transparency they want. We aim to delight our consumers and these steps will provide an even wider range of portion options and clear information to help them select treats that fit their lifestyle."

Hershey expects to achieve the 200 calorie commitment through a combination of reformulating treats, introduction of new products and by adjusting the size of certain items in the portfolio.

By 2020, all everyday Hershey's brand chocolate confection products will have simple ingredients.