A Product Review: Hershey's Caramel Syrup

Most people are familiar with Hershey's Chocolate Syrup. I remember topping my ice cream from the little double punched can when I was quite small (And sneaking a spoonful from the fridge. I was far less pleased with a spoon of Hershey's Cocoa powder!) For my money, there isn't any chocolate syrup that tastes better. Maybe it's because they really capture the flavor of their candy bars in every bottle.

Because of our past experience with Hershey's products, when Hershey's came out with a new caramel syrup, we were eager to try it out." Hershey's Caramel Syrup" comes in a light brown (caramel colored) bottle. On the right there is a glass of caramel flavored milk. On the left is a scoop of ice cream in a sundae dish, which is topped to near overflowing with the rich looking caramel and a chunk of Hershey's (of course) chocolate. The packaging makes the product look very enticing, and tells us that this caramel (or "Dulce de Leche") syrup has a "sweet, indulgent caramel flavor."

"Hershey's Caramel Syrup" does taste very good, though it does lack some of the rich buttery flavor of something like a Brach's caramel, or even a thicker syrup designed specifically for topping ice cream. There is also a "brightness" to this flavor that I associate more with butterscotch than caramel. I think the sweetness could be toned back just a notch too. However, that being said, "Hershey's Caramel Syrup" tastes quite lovely on ice cream or in milk. I have also drizzled it over apple slices for a slightly healthier and equally yummy treat. If you ever find a green apple syrup it's a knockout combo (Jolly Rancher had a green apple syrup over the summer but I think that was either seasonal or has been discontinued.)

"Hershey's Caramel Syrup" has no fat and provides two percent of your daily recommended value of calcium. However, at one hundred and ten calories and twenty one grams of sugar per two tablespoon serving, this is one of those products (like butter and coffee creamer) that is very easy to overdo. You could easily use twice that amount without even noticing. So, if you are watching your calorie or sugar intake, I recommend that you measure!

All in all, "Hershey's Caramel Syrup" is a nice treat. Used in moderation it isn't too bad for you. And while I don't think Hershey's as mastered caramel the way it has mastered chocolate, I look forward to any more additions to their syrup line.

Enjoy!