Is Hershey’S Special Dark Gluten Free?
Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate bars are not certified gluten-free. While the primary ingredients don’t contain gluten, Hershey’s cannot guarantee that there is no cross-contamination during manufacturing, so they don’t label this product as gluten-free.

Higher antioxidant content compared to milk chocolate, primarily due to flavonoids
May help improve heart health by potentially lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow
Could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
May have mood-boosting properties, potentially helping to reduce stress and anxiety
Contains minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc
May help improve cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
Could potentially improve insulin sensitivity, which may be beneficial for diabetes management
May have mild sun-protective effects on the skin due to flavonoids
Contains some fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health
May have anti-inflammatory propertiesIt’s important to remember that these benefits are generally associated with dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more). Hershey’s Special Dark, while darker than milk chocolate, may not have as high a cocoa content as some other dark chocolate products. Additionally, it still contains added sugars and fats, so it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.
People with chocolate allergies
Individuals with caffeine sensitivity (dark chocolate contains more caffeine than milk chocolate)
Those with milk allergies (may contain milk traces due to manufacturing processes)
People with soy allergies (contains soy lecithin)
Individuals trying to manage their sugar intake (contains added sugars)
Those on low-calorie diets (chocolate is calorie-dense)
People with certain heart conditions (due to its stimulant effects)
Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
Those with migraines triggered by chocolate
People with kidney stones (due to high oxalate content)
Individuals taking certain medications that may interact with caffeine
Pregnant women (should limit caffeine intake)
Young children (due to caffeine content and choking hazard)
People with phenylketonuria (PKU) (contains phenylalanine)
Those with diabetes should consume in moderation and account for carbohydratesAlways consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions.
Explore gluten management solutions like Tolerase® G.
What is Tolerase® G?
A new Approach for People with Gluten Sensitivity:
Explore the Science and Benefits of Tolerase® G.
Relief from Gluten Sensitivity
In the fight against gluten, there is a unique supplement that stands out: Little Helpers anti-gluten pills with 100% Tolerase® G.
This specific enzyme, Tolerase® G, a patented endopeptidase specific for proline, was developed by Royal DSM and has been scientifically proven to be effective in breaking down gluten residues ( 1) . Furthermore, research has shown that Aspergillus niger prolyl endoprotease (AN-PEP), an enzyme closely related to Tolerase® G, can break down gluten so effectively that it barely reaches the duodenum, potentially eliminating gluten toxicity ( 2) ( 3 ) .
On this page we explain why we are so enthusiastic about this supplement, supported by scientific research.

What is Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found primarily in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. These complex proteins give shape, strength, and texture to bread and other grain products. However, gluten is difficult to digest because it is rich in proline, a non-essential amino acid. This is why about 13% of the world’s population is sensitive to gluten in their diet (1).
How Tolerase® G Works
It is important to note that Tolerase G is designed to have optimal activity in the difficult conditions of the stomach. Its effectiveness on the digestion of gluten in the stomach and duodenum has been scientifically proven ( 1 ).
Studies have shown that a newly identified prolyl endoprotease derived from Aspergillus niger can effectively break down gluten proteins. This enzyme works optimally at a pH of 4–5, remains stable at pH 2, and is completely resistant to digestion by pepsin ( 2 ). Furthermore, research has shown that Aspergillus niger prolyl endoprotease (AN-PEP) accelerates the breakdown of gluten in the stomach so much that very little gluten reaches the duodenum ( 3 ). This suggests that co-administration of AN-PEP with a meal containing gluten could potentially eliminate gluten toxicity, allowing people to (occasionally) abandon their strict gluten-free diet ( 3 ).
100% Tolerase® G Anti-Gluten Pills

Unique Enzyme Solution
Discover how our 100% Tolerase® G pills help digest gluten and support your lifestyle in a clear video.
Little Helpers & Tolerase® G: Stronger Together in the Fight against Gluten.
At Little Helpers we are proud of our unique partnership with the producer of Tolerase® G DSM . Together we have spent 2.5 years of research and worked tirelessly to develop and perfect our gluten digestion pill, which contains 100% Tolerase® G.
Our shared commitment to quality and effectiveness has resulted in a product that is unmatched in the market. We have chosen to manufacture locally in Europe to ensure the highest quality standards and control.
Our pill has proven to be many times more effective than our competitors, and we offer it at the best price. We are convinced that our pill can make a difference for people who struggle with gluten sensitivity. That is why we encourage everyone to try it and experience the benefits for themselves!
The Only Effective Anti-Gluten Pills
Little Helpers Anti-Gluten Pills contain 100% Tolerase® G. Tolerase® G is the only enzyme on the market that has been scientifically proven to be effective enough to break down gluten in the stomach to the point where the body no longer reacts to it.

Frequently Asked Questions
Our Expert
Drs. Ilse van Asperen
Drs. Ilse van Asperen is a medical doctor specialising in orthomolecular therapy and nutritional coaching. With a background in public and clinical health research and management, she focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues through diet, gut health, and stress reduction. As a professional editor for Little Helpers, she reviews all gluten-free content to ensure accuracy, safety, and scientific credibility. More about me
Our Sources
The information on this page is based on reputable health and nutrition organisations, ensuring accuracy and reliability for anyone following a gluten-free diet. For further details, see the sources below.
Sources
Experiences of our customers
Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate gluten information, but errors can happen. If you spot a mistake or have concerns, please contact us so we can make it right.