Chocolate syrup, light
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Chocolate syrup, light is a smooth, pourable sauce with a deep cocoa flavor and a glossy, viscous texture. It's designed to deliver the classic chocolate taste with significantly less sugar and fewer calories than traditional syrups. Nutritionally, it's a low-fat, low-protein condiment where carbohydrates, primarily from added sugars, are the dominant macro.
Calorie split: 4% protein · 91% carbs · 6% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its instant, indulgent chocolate hit that transforms simple snacks and drinks. Its versatility makes it a staple for everything from drizzling on ice cream to mixing into milk or coffee.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its high sugar content (28.57g per 100g), which can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it less suitable for diabetics or those monitoring glycemic load. To counteract this, always pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like nuts, Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of chia seeds) to slow sugar absorption, and practice strict portion control.
Key benefits
- Lower calorie alternative to regular chocolate syrup
- Provides a concentrated chocolate flavor for beverages and desserts
- Fat-free and very low in protein
- Enhances palatability of plain foods like yogurt or oatmeal
- Convenient shelf-stable flavoring
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The iconic squeeze bottle design for chocolate syrup, popularized by brands like Hershey's, was patented in 1956 and revolutionized how the product was stored and dispensed in homes.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 62.2 g |
| Energy | 153 kcal |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.97 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 34.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 28.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 11.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.00 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 36.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 54.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 187 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 100 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.48 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.28 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin | 0.18 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.80 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 3.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.20 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 6.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 195 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Syrups, chocolate, HERSHEY'S Sugar free, Genuine Chocolate Flavored, Lite Syrup — USDA does not publish this profile for Chocolate syrup.
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.11 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.11 g |
| Leucine | 0.17 g |
| Lysine | 0.14 g |
| Methionine | 0.03 g |
| Cystine | 0.03 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.13 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.10 g |
| Valine | 0.17 g |
| Arginine | 0.16 g |
| Histidine | 0.05 g |
| Alanine | 0.13 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.28 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.42 g |
| Glycine | 0.13 g |
| Proline | 0.12 g |
| Serine | 0.12 g |
FAQ
How is 'light' chocolate syrup different from regular?
'Light' versions typically use high-intensity sweeteners (like sucralose or acesulfame potassium) or sugar alcohols to reduce sugar and calories by 50% or more, while regular syrup is primarily sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar.
Can I use it in baking?
Yes, but it will add moisture and sugar. It's best used in recipes like brownies, cakes, or frostings where a chocolate flavor boost is desired, but you may need to adjust other liquids or sugars in the recipe.
Is it gluten-free?
Most major brands of chocolate syrup are gluten-free, but always check the label for specific allergen statements, as formulations can change and cross-contamination is possible in some facilities.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.53 kcal/g · 4% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 28.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.53 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.