Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup: HEART Exam Review (Gluten-Free Chocolate Syrup)
Today’s “food patient” rolling onto the exam table is Hershey’s Simply 5 Chocolate Syrup — a five-ingredient classic that’s gluten-free, simple, and surprisingly versatile for gluten- and dairy-free kitchens.
Now, confession time:
I do not sit around sipping chocolate milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any chocolate-milk-adjacent beverage. It’s just not my thing.
BUT… give me a mocha-inspired coffee, and suddenly I’m a whole new NP. This syrup is my not-so-secret ingredient.
Let’s begin the exam.
🩺 H — Health Check
Hershey’s Simply 5 is made with just five ingredients:
Sugar, organic invert sugar syrup, water, cocoa, and natural vanilla flavor.
It is:
✅ Labeled gluten-free
⚠️ Not labeled dairy-free, but I (with Celiac + EoE) have tolerated it several times without any symptoms
🌱 Non-GMO verified
🚫 No high fructose corn syrup
Nutrition per 1 tbsp:
• 45 calories
• 0g fat
• 12g carbs
• <1g fiber
• 0g protein
• A tiny hint of iron
This isn’t a “nutrition powerhouse,” but syrups aren’t supposed to be. They’re supposed to make pancakes magical and smoothies chocolatey — and it passes that job with flying colors.
😋 E — Eating (Taste + Uses)
Here’s what I love:
It’s sweet, chocolatey, smooth, and thin — without that heavy dark chocolate aftertaste (a win for those of us who like dark chocolate but actually prefer milk-chocolate flavor when given the choice).
How I use it:
Mocha coffee (yes please)
Pancakes & waffles — warm is best!
Chocolate banana smoothies
Ice cream topping (my daughter approves)
It chills well in the fridge, but I prefer it warmed for breakfast foods.
🛒 A — Accessibility (Price + Availability)
Depending on the store, it’s usually $5–$6 at Target, Walmart, and local grocery stores.
Amazon sells multi-packs, but I don’t personally use enough syrup to justify that much chocolate commitment.
Easy to find. Easy to store. Easy to love.
🩺 R — Rhythm Rating
⭐ Sinus Rhythm
Reliable, predictable, sweet-but-not-too-sweet. I keep it stocked because it’s the perfect “I need chocolate flavor but not a full dessert” option.
📢 T — Tell Others & Tips
This is a great bottle to keep in the fridge for:
chocolate cravings
mocha mornings
kid-approved toppings
smoothies needing flavor without heavy dairy
GF households looking for a trusted chocolate syrup
It’s gluten-free, tastes great, and behaves well in recipes. Just refrigerate after opening.
If you need a versatile chocolate syrup without gluten or dairy ingredients, this one earns my stamp of approval.
💖 Stay safe, happy, healthy.
