Chocolate is undoubtedly one of the most beloved indulgences in the world, with Mars and Hershey Chocolate being two of the biggest players in the industry. Mars, Inc. and The Hershey Company have been producing delicious chocolates for over a century, but which one is better?
In this article, we will compare the two companies in terms of their product line, ingredients, and market share. We will also weigh the pros and cons of each brand and address some frequently asked questions about them.
Mars and Hershey Chocolate: A Brief Overview
Mars, Inc. is an American multinational company that produces a wide range of consumer goods, including chocolate bars, candy, pet food, and more. The company was founded in 1911 by Frank Mars and has since become a global leader in the chocolate industry. Some of Mars’ popular chocolate brands include Snickers, Twix, M&M’s, Milky Way, and Dove Chocolate.
The Hershey Company, on the other hand, is an American chocolate company that was founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey. Hershey Chocolate is famous for its iconic Hershey’s chocolate bar, which has been a staple in American households for over a century. The company produces a wide range of chocolate bars, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Kisses, and Kit Kat bars.
What Do Mars Chocolates Taste Like?
Mars chocolate bars are a popular confectionery product known for their rich, sweet, and creamy flavor. The main components of a Mars chocolate bar include nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate.
The nougat provides a soft and chewy texture, while the caramel layer adds a sweet and slightly sticky component. The milk chocolate coating envelops the nougat and caramel, giving it a smooth and creamy finish.
Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess, making Mars chocolates enjoyable to many people with a sweet tooth. Keep in mind that individual tastes may vary, and some people might describe the taste slightly differently based on their preferences and sensitivity to different flavors.
Types of Mars Chocolates
Some of the popular types of Mars chocolates include:
Mars Bar: The original Mars chocolate bar consists of nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate.
Snickers: A classic chocolate bar that contains nougat, caramel, peanuts, and milk chocolate.
Twix: A chocolate bar made of a biscuit base topped with caramel and coated in milk chocolate.
Milky Way: A chocolate bar with a whipped nougat center and a layer of caramel, all covered in milk chocolate.
M&M’s: Colorful button-shaped chocolates with a hard candy shell, often filled with milk chocolate or peanuts.
Bounty: A coconut-filled chocolate bar, typically coated in milk chocolate (there are variations with dark chocolate as well).
Dove (Galaxy in some regions): Known for its smooth and creamy milk chocolate bars.
3 Musketeers: A chocolate bar with a fluffy, whipped nougat center, covered in milk chocolate.
Maltesers: Malt-flavored honeycomb spheres coated in milk chocolate.
Mars Miniatures: Assorted mini chocolate bars, including Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, and 3 Musketeers.
What Do Hershey Chocolates Taste Like?
Hershey’s uses a specific manufacturing process called “Hershey’s Flavor,” which involves the use of fresh milk to develop a signature taste. This process contributes to the creamy and smooth texture of the chocolate.
Some people also notice a mild tanginess or “astringent” note in Hershey’s chocolate, which is believed to be a result of the milk fermentation during the manufacturing process. This characteristic sets Hershey’s chocolates apart from other brands and has become part of their identity.
It’s essential to note that taste is subjective, and individual preferences may vary. Some people enjoy the distinct taste of Hershey’s chocolates, while others may prefer different chocolate brands with their own unique characteristics.
Types of Hershey Chocolates
Some of the popular types of Hershey chocolates include:
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar: The classic and iconic milk chocolate bar, made with Hershey’s signature chocolate formula.
- Hershey’s Special Dark: A dark chocolate version of the classic Hershey’s bar, with a richer cocoa flavor.
- Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme: A white chocolate bar with cookie pieces mixed in, providing a crunchy texture.
- Hershey’s Kisses: Small, individually wrapped chocolates shaped like a “kiss.” They come in various flavors, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and caramel-filled.
- Hershey’s Miniatures: Assorted mini chocolate bars, usually including Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Hershey’s Special Dark, Krackel (with crisped rice), and Mr. Goodbar (with peanuts).
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Though not pure chocolate, these are a popular product under the Hershey’s brand. They consist of a chocolate shell filled with creamy peanut butter.
- Hershey’s Symphony: A larger chocolate bar with toffee and almonds mixed into the milk chocolate.
- Hershey’s Nuggets: Bite-sized, irregularly shaped chocolates available in various flavors, such as milk chocolate, milk chocolate with almonds, and special dark.
- Hershey’s S’mores: A chocolate bar specifically designed for making s’mores, with pieces pre-segmented for easy sharing.
Comparison of Mars and Hershey Chocolate
| Mars Chocolate | Hershey Chocolate | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Mars, Incorporated | The Hershey Company |
| Founding Year | 1911 | 1894 |
| Headquarters | McLean, Virginia, United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Popular Brands | Snickers, M&M’s, Milky Way, Twix, Mars Bars, Dove Chocolate | Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Reese’s, Kit Kat (under license), Kisses, Twizzlers |
| Global Reach | Widely distributed globally | Widely distributed globally |
| Product Variety | Offers a wide range of chocolate bars, candies, and confectionery products | Offers a wide range of chocolate bars, candies, and confectionery products |
| Signature Product | Mars Bars, Snickers | Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups |
| Market Presence | Strong presence in various markets worldwide | Strong presence in the United States and international markets |
| Market Share | One of the largest confectionery companies globally | One of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the United States |
| Specialties | Known for its combination of caramel, nougat, and peanuts in products like Snickers | Known for its smooth milk chocolate and iconic Hershey’s Kisses |
| Manufacturing Facilities | Operates manufacturing facilities in multiple countries | Operates manufacturing facilities primarily in the United States |
| Corporate Social Responsibility | Engaged in sustainability initiatives, responsible sourcing, and community involvement | Engaged in sustainability efforts, cocoa sourcing programs, and community initiatives |
| Cultural Impact | M&M’s and Snickers are recognized and popular worldwide | Hershey’s chocolate has become an American cultural icon |
| Marketing Strategies | Utilizes catchy advertising campaigns and sponsorships, such as Mars sponsorship of major sporting events | Known for its memorable jingles and commercials, with a focus on nostalgic and family-oriented themes |
| Recent Innovations | Introduced new variations and flavors of M&M’s, such as caramel and hazelnut spread | Introduced new products like Hershey’s Gold (caramelized creme with peanuts and pretzels) and Reese’s Thins |
Product Line
Both Mars and Hershey Chocolate offer a wide range of chocolate products that vary in taste, texture, and size. Mars, Inc. has a broader product line, including chocolate bars, candy, ice cream, and beverages. Some of their most popular products include Snickers, M&M’s, Milky Way, and Twix. Hershey Chocolate, on the other hand, focuses more on chocolate bars, kisses, and peanut butter cups.
Ingredients and Manufacturing Processes
Cocoa Beans Sourcing
Mars and Hershey Chocolate both use cocoa beans sourced from various countries around the world. However, Mars has been working on improving the sustainability of their cocoa supply chain, and they have started using certified sustainable cocoa in some of their products. Hershey Chocolate also sources some of their cocoa sustainably but has faced criticism in the past for not doing enough to ensure ethical sourcing.
Quality Control Standards
Both Mars and Hershey Chocolate have high-quality control standards in place to ensure that their products are safe and consistent in taste and texture. Mars has a more comprehensive quality control system, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. Hershey Chocolate also has quality control standards but may not be as stringent as Mars.
Ethical Practices
Mars and Hershey Chocolate have both committed to ethical practices in their cocoa sourcing, including working to eliminate child labor and improve farmer livelihoods. However, Mars has been more proactive in this area, partnering with organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance to improve sustainability and social responsibility in their supply chain.
Market Share and Global Reach
Sales and Revenue
Mars is the larger of the two companies, with a revenue of over $40 billion in 2021 compared to Hershey Chocolate’s revenue of around $8 billion in the same year. Mars has a more diversified product line and a larger global presence, contributing to their higher sales revenue.
Global Distribution
Mars has a more extensive global distribution network, with their products sold in over 80 countries worldwide. Hershey Chocolate is more focused on the American market, with a limited presence in other parts of the world.
Mars vs Hershey Chocolate: Pros and Cons
Mars Chocolate
Pros:
Mars uses high-quality ingredients in their chocolates, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. They offer a wide range of flavors and innovative products, such as the new “M&M’s Mix” featuring different flavored M&M’s in one bag.
Cons:
Mars products tend to be more expensive than Hershey Chocolate, which may limit their appeal to budget-conscious consumers. Mars products may also have limited distribution in some regions, making them harder to find.
Hershey Chocolate
Pros:
Hershey Chocolate is more affordable than Mars, making it more accessible to a broader range of consumers. The Hershey’s brand is iconic and has a loyal following. Hershey’s chocolate bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are popular and beloved by many.
Cons:
Hershey Chocolate may use lower quality ingredients in their chocolates than Mars, and they have a limited variety of products compared to Mars. They may also lack innovation in their product line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Which brand is more popular?
Mars is the larger of the two companies and has a more extensive global reach, but Hershey Chocolate is more focused on the American market and has a loyal following.
Q: What are the differences in the ingredients used in Mars and Hershey chocolate?
Mars tends to use higher quality and sustainably sourced ingredients than Hershey Chocolate, which may use lower quality ingredients.
Q: Which brand is healthier?
Both Mars and Hershey Chocolate are indulgences and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, Mars has a stronger commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in their supply chain, which may appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Q: Are Mars and Hershey Chocolate ethically produced?
Both Mars and Hershey Chocolate have committed to ethical practices in their cocoa sourcing, including eliminating child labor and improving farmer livelihoods. Mars has been more proactive in this area, partnering with organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance to improve sustainability and social responsibility in their supply chain.
Q: Where are Mars and Hershey Chocolate sold globally?
Mars products are sold in over 80 countries worldwide, while Hershey Chocolate is more focused on the American market, with a limited presence in other parts of the world.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between Mars and Hershey Chocolate, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both companies offer high-quality chocolate products, but Mars has a more comprehensive commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
If you’re looking for a wider variety of products and a more innovative product line, Mars may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re on a budget or a fan of classic chocolate bars like Hershey’s, Hershey Chocolate may be the way to go.
Ultimately, both Mars and Hershey Chocolate are indulgences and should be enjoyed in moderation. Whether you prefer the iconic Hershey’s chocolate bars or the wide variety of flavors offered by Mars, there’s no denying that both companies have a place in the world of chocolate.
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