Hershey Expands Health Initiatives, Establishes New
Center
In April, the Hershey Company, Hershey, PA, expanded its health and nutrition initiative to meet increasing consumer demands for healthier products. Additionally, it revealed the results of ongoing studies at Yale University linking the consumption of hot cocoa to improved cardiovascular function. As part of its increasing efforts in the area of healthier snacking, the company has established the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition. The Center will direct scientific research to develop products and technologies providing consumers with health benefits in the areas of heart health, weight management and mental and physical energy.
The establishment of the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition was a recommendation of Hershey’s Health & Wellness Advisory Board, a panel of world-class scientists and analysts established in 2005. The Advisory Board is comprised of experts who provide Hershey with key insights in the areas of weight management, cognitive and brain function, nutrigenomics, plant nutrients and metabolism, children’s nutrition and eating behavior, personal wellness, government food regulations, and consumer health and wellness behaviors and attitudes.
The Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition will focus its research and development efforts in three principal areas:

Heart Health: Hershey continues to conduct research into links between flavanols in cocoa and chocolate and improvements in arterial function, as well as into the potential health benefits of nuts. The company is partnering with Yale University, researching the effects of dark chocolate and cocoa on arterial function and blood pressure. The company also is evaluating formulas and technologies that deliver higher levels of antioxidants while reducing fats and sugars.
Weight Management: Weight management continues to be a focal point of Hershey’s Health & Wellness Advisory Board. Earlier this year, Hershey made an endowment to Penn State’s Center for Childhood Obesity Research. It also introduced Hershey’s Sticks, a portion-controlled chocolate with 60 calories per serving. Later this year, Hershey will launch a line of 100-calorie chocolate products. In addition, Hershey has conducted numerous studies on glycemic responses and satiety, and continues to advance technological development in both sugar and fat reduction in chocolate.
Mental and Physical Energy: Building on evidence linking the consumption of cocoa and chocolate to improved mental acuity, The Hershey Company has entered into a partnership with the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech to examine the ability of cocoa and chocolate consumption to improve cognitive function in older adults. The company also is conducting research combining such ingredients as soy and whey with nuts and chocolate to better understand the impact on metabolism and physical energy.