Pass the Cocoa ... Hershey's Cocoa Is Not Just for Baking Anymore; Cocoa Breaks Out of Dessert and Into the Main Dish

Pass the Cocoa ... Hershey's Cocoa Is Not Just for Baking Anymore; Cocoa Breaks Out of Dessert and Into the Main Dish

HERSHEY, Pa., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Move over salt and pepper - there's a new condiment appearing on America's tables: Hershey's Cocoa! People are discovering new ways to add an appealing cocoa kick to old favorites and innovative new dishes, from fresh fruit to salmon to chili. And because cocoa is a natural source of flavanol antioxidants, there are more reasons than ever to enjoy Hershey's Cocoa in both sweet and savory dishes!

Hershey's Cocoa isn't just for baking anymore! Chefs at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa., regularly incorporate cocoa into sweet and savory dishes, such as roasted vegetables, fish, and risotto. Curtis Aikens, award-winning chef, cookbook author and television personality loves using cocoa in unexpected ways. "The possibilities are endless when cooking with cocoa," says Aikens. "I love the surprise it brings to dishes. Cocoa can complement a variety of flavors, from rich red meat to delicate fish to hearty casseroles, soups and stews. Since Hershey's Cocoa is unsweetened, the pure cocoa flavor really comes out. And of course, it's key to so many delicious baked goods and desserts."

According to a recent study conducted by The Hershey Company in conjunction with Brunswick Laboratories and Cornell University, the levels of flavanol antioxidants in cocoa and chocolate products are nearly perfectly correlated with the concentration of natural cocoa in products. The results show that antioxidant levels are greatest in natural cocoa powder followed by unsweetened baking chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and finally, chocolate syrup. In other words, the higher the natural cocoa content, the greater the flavanol antioxidant levels.

Data from The Hershey Study and previous studies indicate that cocoa is one of the most concentrated sources of flavanol antioxidants among plant foods. The antioxidant capacity of one cup of hot cocoa made with natural cocoa is equal to that of 1-1/3 cups of blueberries, two glasses of red wine or three cups of black tea. The bottom line: It's in the Cocoa(TM).

According to Martha McKittrick, registered dietitian, "Cocoa is a natural source of antioxidants. These same antioxidants occur naturally in many foods such as tea, berries and grapes. Cocoa beans have one of the highest concentrations of flavanol antioxidants among plant foods and incorporating cocoa into your diet may do more for you than just satisfy your appetite."

Hershey's It's In the Cocoa(TM) Recipe Contest Recognizes Cocoa Cooking Innovation

The Hershey Company is hosting an exclusive contest to inspire and recognize both home cooks and professional chefs who have found creative ways to incorporate natural cocoa into their recipes. Contestants are invited to send in recipes and usage tips for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to Hershey, Pa. Entries will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2006. For more information on the contest and prizes or to download an entry form, please visit http://www.hersheykitchens.com/.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, as well as Hershey's SmartZone bars for people seeking balanced nutrition. It also markets Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking ingredients, toppings and beverages. Visit us at http://www.hersheynewsroom.com/.

In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets premium chocolate offerings, including Scharffen Berger, known for its high-cacao dark chocolate products, and Joseph Schmidt, recognized for its fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts. Please visit http://www.scharffenberger.com/ or http://www.josephschmidtconfections.com/.

Source: The Hershey Company

CONTACT: Judy Hogarth of The Hershey Company, +1-717-534-7631,
jhogarth@hersheys.com; or Ginny Brocker of Dome HK, +1-312-836-2908,
ginnyb@domehk.com

Web site: http://www.hersheykitchens.com/
http://www.hersheynewsroom.com/
http://www.hersheys.com/

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