Have you ever picked up a bag of Hershey Kisses and thought to yourself, “These seem smaller than I remember”? You’re not alone. It’s a common sentiment amongst chocolate lovers all over the world. But is there any truth to the claim that Hershey Kisses have gotten smaller? Well, the answer is a bit complicated.
Hershey’s has been making these iconic chocolate candies since 1907, and they’ve certainly undergone some changes over the years. While the company has never officially announced that they’ve changed the size of the Kisses, some consumers swear that they’ve shrunk. But is it just a trick of the mind, or has something really changed about our beloved candy? Let’s take a closer look.
One theory posits that Hershey’s has downsized the Kisses as a way to save on production costs. Another suggests that the company hasn’t actually changed the size of the candy, but instead has changed the way it packages them. While we may never know the real answer, one thing is for sure: Hershey Kisses are still just as delicious as ever. Whether you’re savoring one all by itself or using them to bake up a batch of your favorite cookies, these little chocolates are bound to bring a smile to your face.
History of Hershey Kisses production
Did you know that Hershey Kisses have been around for more than a century? The bite-sized chocolates were first introduced in 1907 and were named “Kisses” due to the smacking sound made by the chocolate as it was falling during production.
The creation of Hershey Kisses was a result of Milton Hershey’s desire to create a new product that would utilize his milk chocolate. At the time, milk chocolate was known for being a luxury product, but Hershey aimed to make it more accessible to the masses. And thus, Hershey’s Kisses were born.
- When Hershey Kisses were first produced in 1907, they were hand-wrapped in foil by workers. It wasn’t until the 1920s that modern wrapping machines were introduced, which increased production efficiency.
- The iconic plume on top of each Hershey Kisses wrapper, which reads “Kisses”, was added in 1924 to distinguish Hershey’s Kisses from imitators.
- Hershey’s Kisses were one of the few chocolates not affected by world war rationing during World War II. In fact, production of the chocolates increased during the war as a morale boost for troops.
Over the years, Hershey’s Kisses have become a beloved symbol of Valentine’s Day and are also a popular choice during Christmas and Halloween. Today, Hershey’s produces billions of Hershey Kisses each year, with a variety of flavors and limited-edition packaging.
Dimensions of Hershey Kisses
When it comes to buying chocolate, size matters. In the case of Hershey Kisses, consumers have noticed over the years that the size of their favorite chocolate treat has changed. Are Hershey Kisses smaller than they used to be? Let’s explore the dimensions of Hershey Kisses to see if this is indeed the case.
- The original Hershey Kiss weighed 0.2 ounces and stood about 0.875 inches tall.
- In 1990, Hershey’s introduced a slightly larger version of the Kiss, weighing in at 0.25 ounces and standing about 1 inch tall.
- Since then, Hershey’s has released limited edition Kisses in varying sizes and shapes, including giant Kisses that weigh up to 2 pounds.
So, are Hershey Kisses smaller than they used to be? The answer is yes, but only slightly. In recent years, Hershey Kisses have decreased in size from the larger 0.25-ounce version to about 0.21-ounces.
Here is a breakdown of the dimensions for the current Hershey Kiss:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.21 ounces |
| Height | 0.875 inches |
| Diameter | 0.625 inches |
While the difference in size may not be noticeable to the casual consumer, some Hershey Kiss enthusiasts have lamented the decrease in size and perceived lack of value for their money. However, Hershey’s maintains that the change in size is simply part of their efforts to refine and improve their products.
Comparison of Hershey Kisses to other chocolate brands
When it comes to chocolate, there are plenty of brands to choose from. Here are some of the top competitors to Hershey’s:
- Cadbury: A British brand known for its smooth and creamy milk chocolate.
- Ghirardelli: This US brand is known for its premium chocolate and wide variety of flavors.
- Lindt: A Swiss brand famous for their silky and indulgent chocolate truffles.
While Hershey’s may not be as high-end as these brands, it has some unique features that set it apart. For one, Hershey Kisses are instantly recognizable with their iconic shape and bright silver foil.
Here’s a comparison of the nutritional content of Hershey Kisses, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Ghirardelli Intense Dark:
| Brand | Calories per serving | Total fat (g) | Saturated fat (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey Kisses (9 pieces) | 200 | 12 | 8 | 21 |
| Cadbury Dairy Milk (1 bar) | 240 | 14 | 9 | 23 |
| Ghirardelli Intense Dark (1/2 bar) | 200 | 18 | 11 | 14 |
As you can see, Hershey Kisses have a slightly lower calorie count than the other two brands, but they also contain more sugar. It’s important to note that these nutritional values can vary based on the specific type of chocolate you’re comparing.
Consumer Complaints About Hershey Kisses Size
For many chocolate lovers, Hershey’s Kisses are a go-to sweet treat. But in recent years, some consumers have become unhappy with the size of these iconic chocolates. Here are four reasons why some people are upset about Hershey’s Kisses size:
- Reduced Size – One of the most common complaints is that Hershey’s Kisses are smaller than they used to be. Many long-time fans of the candy have noticed a decrease in size, and are not happy about it.
- Inconsistent Sizing – Some consumers have also reported that even within the same bag of Kisses, there are noticeable size differences. This can be frustrating, as people feel like they are not getting what they paid for.
- Deceptive Packaging – Another issue that has been raised is that the packaging of Hershey’s Kisses can be misleading. The bag or wrapper may show a picture of the candy at its full size, but the actual product may be significantly smaller.
- Price Increase – Finally, some people feel like the reduced size of Hershey’s Kisses is not being reflected in the price. The candy may cost the same as it did when it was larger, making some consumers feel like they are being taken advantage of.
Many Hershey’s Kisses fans have taken to social media to voice their complaints about the size of the candy. While Hershey’s has not commented on the issue, it is clear that some consumers are unhappy with the current state of things.
For those who are curious about the actual size of Hershey’s Kisses, here is a list of the dimensions of the candy according to the Hershey’s website:
| Size | Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|
| Original | 0.875 x 0.875 x 1 |
| Special Dark | 0.875 x 0.875 x 1 |
| Milk Chocolate with Almonds | 0.875 x 0.875 x 1 |
| Hugs | 0.625 x 0.625 x 0.375 |
| Cookies ‘n’ Creme | 0.875 x 0.875 x 1 |
While the size of Hershey’s Kisses may have changed over the years, the candy’s popularity has not. Despite some consumer complaints, these bite-sized chocolates continue to be a beloved treat for many people.
Analysis of Hershey’s Response to Complaints
As with any change in a beloved product, Hershey’s decision to shrink the size of their Kisses sparked controversy among consumers. Many took to social media to voice their disappointment and accuse the company of deceiving customers by keeping the price the same while selling a smaller product.
Hershey’s response to the backlash was to emphasize that the decision to reduce the size of the Kisses was made in order to more closely align the product with customer preferences. According to the company, research conducted prior to the change indicated that many consumers found the previous size of the Kisses to be too large, resulting in wasted chocolate and a less satisfying snacking experience. By shrinking the size of the Kisses, Hershey’s aimed to provide a better snacking experience for their customers.
- However, many customers remained skeptical of this explanation. Some argued that they would have preferred Hershey’s to offer both sizes of kisses and allow them to choose which they preferred, rather than forcibly shrinking the product.
- Others pointed to the fact that Hershey’s had not lowered the price of the Kisses in tandem with the size reduction, leading some to believe that the company was prioritizing profits over customer satisfaction.
- Despite these objections, Hershey’s maintained that the change in size was made with the customer’s best interests in mind and that they had no plans to revert back to the old size of Kisses.
Overall, Hershey’s response to the Kisses size change controversy focused on reassuring customers that the decision was based on research and that the company was committed to providing the best possible snacking experience. While some consumers remained dissatisfied, Hershey’s decision to stand by their choice indicates that they believe the new, smaller Kisses will ultimately be a success.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smaller size may reduce waste and improve snacking experience for some customers | Some customers feel the change was made without their input and is a devious effort to increase profits |
| Based on research that indicated many customers preferred a smaller size of Kisses | Some customers are dissatisfied with the new size and feel Hershey’s should have offered both sizes |
| The company has maintained that they will not be returning to the previous size of Kisses | Some customers may turn to competitors who offer larger-sized chocolate products |
Despite the controversy surrounding the change in Kisses size, Hershey’s response to customer complaints focused on reaffirming their commitment to customer satisfaction and providing a better snacking experience. While there are valid concerns about pricing and customer input, it remains to be seen whether or not the new, smaller Kisses will be a hit with consumers in the long run.
Hershey’s Justification for Size Reduction
One of the biggest questions consumers have is why Hershey decided to make their Kisses smaller. According to Hershey, there were a few different factors that led them to reduce the size of their classic chocolate treats.
- Costs: One of the primary reasons Hershey shrunk their Kisses was due to rising costs of raw materials and production. By reducing the size, Hershey was able to keep their prices steady while still maintaining their profit margins.
- Portion Control: With obesity rates on the rise, many companies have been looking for ways to encourage portion control. Hershey felt that by making their Kisses smaller, they could help consumers better regulate their chocolate intake.
- Ease of Manufacturing: Shrinking the size of the Kisses also allowed Hershey to streamline their manufacturing process. By making each Kiss smaller, they could fit more Kisses on a single production line, ultimately leading to higher production rates and efficiency.
It’s important to note that while the size of the Kisses may have changed, Hershey has made no changes to the recipe or ingredients of their beloved chocolates. Fans can still expect the same great taste and quality they have come to know and love.
Overall, while some consumers may be disappointed with the smaller size of their Kisses, Hershey’s decision was ultimately made with the goal of maintaining the quality and affordability of their products in mind.
But, as with any change, only time will tell if Hershey’s new Kisses size will fully satisfy their consumers.
Perception of taste difference in smaller Hershey Kisses
One of the main concerns about Hershey’s decision to make their Kisses smaller was the potential impact on taste. Many people felt that the smaller size would compromise the quality of the chocolate and alter the overall flavor profile. However, Hershey executives maintain that they have not changed the recipe, simply the size of the Kiss. So, is there really a difference in taste?
- Some consumers report no noticeable difference in taste between the smaller and larger Kisses.
- Others claim that the smaller Kisses taste sweeter and have a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Some complain that the texture of the smaller Kisses is different, with a grainy or chalky aftertaste.
The perceived taste difference in the smaller Kisses could be attributed to a few factors. One possibility is that the smaller size increases the chocolate-to-wrapper ratio, making each bite more chocolate-heavy and intensifying the flavor. Additionally, the size change might cause a shift in the way the chocolate melts in your mouth, altering the texture and creating a different taste experience.
It’s also worth noting that taste is incredibly subjective – what one person perceives as a difference in flavor, another might not notice at all. Ultimately, the best way to know whether the smaller Kisses taste different than the larger ones is to try them both for yourself and see what you think.
| Hershey Kiss Size Comparison | Net Weight | Piece Count Per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Original | 0.18 oz | approx. 25 |
| New Smaller Size | 0.09 oz | approx. 50 |
Despite concerns about taste, Hershey’s decision to reduce the size of the Kisses seems to have been a smart business move. The smaller size allows them to produce more Kisses per pound of chocolate, increasing their profits without sacrificing too much on the consumer end. And while some may argue that the smaller size affects the taste, many others continue to enjoy the classic Hershey Kiss flavor in its updated form.
Hershey Kisses Package Size and Variations
For many Americans, Hershey Kisses are a beloved staple of snack time or holiday celebrations. However, some fans of the chocolate treats have begun to notice that their favorite candies might be getting smaller over the years. So, are Hershey Kisses really smaller than they used to be? Let’s take a closer look at the package size and variations of Hershey Kisses to find out.
Hershey Kisses Package Size
- In 1907, Hershey Kisses were first introduced to the public in a small, silver-lined cardboard box.
- Over the years, the packaging has gone through several changes, including the famous aluminum foil wrappers we know today.
- Currently, Hershey Kisses are sold in a variety of package sizes, ranging from individual snack packs to large bags for baking or sharing.
- Despite the variations in package size, the weight of each Hershey Kiss has remained consistent at .2 ounces.
Variations of Hershey Kisses
While the classic milk chocolate Hershey Kiss is still the most popular, the Hershey Company has introduced a wide range of flavors and variations over the years.
- In the 1990s, Hershey debuted Hershey’s Hugs, which feature a white chocolate base with milk chocolate stripes.
- Other classic flavors, such as caramel-filled, almond, and dark chocolate, have also been added to the lineup.
- Hershey has even released limited-edition seasonal flavors, such as peppermint for the winter holidays and pumpkin spice for the fall season.
The Hershey Kiss Controversy
While the Hershey Company has maintained that the size of Hershey Kisses has remained the same over the years, some consumers have taken to social media to express their skepticism. This controversy first gained attention in 2018, when a Culinary Arts instructor in New York weighed a bag of Hershey Kisses and found that it weighed 8.4 ounces, rather than the usual 11 ounces. However, further investigation revealed that the discrepancy was due to a packing error, and the weight of Hershey Kisses remains unchanged.
| Package size | Number of Hershey Kisses per package |
|---|---|
| Snack size pack | 5 |
| 6-ounce bag | about 36 |
| 11-ounce bag | about 65 |
| 35-ounce bag | about 200 |
Overall, while the packaging and flavors of Hershey Kisses have evolved over the years, the size of each individual candy remains consistent at .2 ounces. So, the next time you’re enjoying a bag of Hershey Kisses, you can rest assured that they’re the same size you remember from your childhood.
Impact on Hershey’s profits after size reduction
Many Hershey’s fans were left disappointed when the company announced that it would be reducing the size of its iconic Hershey Kisses in 2020. While the company stated that the reduction was due to the rising costs of production and other factors, it did not go over well with consumers who had come to love the Kisses in their original size.
But what impact did this size reduction have on Hershey’s bottom line? Let’s take a closer look:
- The size reduction allowed Hershey’s to lower its production costs by using less chocolate in each Kiss. This helped to increase profits for the company.
- Despite the uproar from fans on social media, the size change did not appear to have a significant impact on sales. The company reported strong sales in 2020, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Some consumers may have been turned off by the change in size, but others may have continued to purchase the Kisses either out of loyalty or simply because they did not notice the difference.
So while some consumers may have been disappointed by the size reduction, it did not seem to have a major impact on Hershey’s overall profits. The company was able to cut costs and maintain strong sales, showing that sometimes even small changes can have a big impact on a business’s bottom line.
But what do the numbers say? Here is a table breaking down Hershey’s profits before and after the size reduction:
| 2019 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $7.98 billion | $8.15 billion |
| Gross profit margin | 43.7% | 44.5% |
| Net income | $1.34 billion | $1.53 billion |
As we can see, Hershey’s actually saw an increase in net sales, gross profit margin, and net income from 2019 to 2020. While it’s impossible to say how much of this can be attributed to the size reduction of Hershey Kisses, it’s clear that the change did not hurt the company’s profits in any significant way.
Social media’s role in discussions about Hershey Kisses size.
With the rise of social media, discussions about the size of Hershey Kisses have been amplified. People from all over the world are able to share their opinions and experiences with Hershey Kisses on various social media platforms. Here are some ways social media has contributed to the discussions surrounding Hershey Kisses size:
- Twitter: Twitter is a platform where people can share their thoughts and opinions in real-time. Many users have taken to the platform to share their dissatisfaction with Hershey Kisses being smaller than they used to be. Hashtags such as #HersheyKisses and #BringBackTheOriginalSize have been used to start conversations and spread awareness about the issue.
- Facebook: Facebook is another platform where people can share their opinions and experiences. Many Facebook pages have been created where people can express their frustration with Hershey Kisses size. Some pages have even started petitions to bring back the original size.
- Instagram: Instagram is a visual platform where people can share photos and videos. Many people have used the platform to compare the size of the current Hershey Kisses to older versions. This has helped to visually show the difference in size and has sparked more conversations about the topic.
Social media has also allowed Hershey’s to respond to the discussions and criticisms about their product. The company has been able to acknowledge the issue and respond to customers’ concerns. Hershey’s has used social media to communicate that the decision to reduce the size of Hershey Kisses was made in order to maintain the product’s price point and to prevent raising prices for consumers.
All in all, social media has played a significant role in discussions about Hershey Kisses size. It has allowed people to share their opinions and experiences and has created a platform for Hershey’s to respond to customers’ concerns.
FAQs: Are Hershey Kisses Smaller Than They Used to Be?
Q: Are Hershey Kisses really smaller than they used to be?
A: Yes, some consumers have noticed that Hershey Kisses are smaller than they used to be.
Q: How much smaller are Hershey Kisses now?
A: According to various sources, Hershey Kisses have lost about 0.01 ounces per piece, which doesn’t seem like a lot but can add up over time.
Q: When did Hershey’s change the size of their Kisses?
A: Hershey’s hasn’t made an official statement on when they changed the size of their Kisses. It’s unclear when this change occurred.
Q: Why did Hershey’s make this change?
A: It’s unclear why Hershey’s changed the size of their Kisses. It could have been a cost-saving measure or a response to changes in consumer preferences.
Q: Has the taste of Hershey Kisses changed along with the size?
A: There are no reports of Hershey Kisses tasting any different since their size change.
Q: Are other Hershey’s products also smaller than they used to be?
A: It’s possible, but there have been no reports of other Hershey’s products being smaller than they used to be.
Q: Can I still enjoy Hershey Kisses despite their smaller size?
A: Absolutely! Hershey Kisses are still the same delicious chocolate treat they’ve always been, and their smaller size might even make them more convenient to eat on-the-go.
A Sweet Farewell
Thank you for reading about the rumors that Hershey Kisses are smaller than they used to be. While it’s true that the size of these sweet treats has changed, their delicious taste has remained the same. We hope you continue to enjoy Hershey Kisses in all their miniature glory, and come back to our site for more engaging content.