The Hershey Company — SPECIAL DARK ZERO SUGAR CHOCOLATE CANDY, SPECIAL DARK
by The Hershey CompanyMRT 176 Panel Triggers Identified
Clinical Product Assessment
MRT 176 Panel Safety Assessment
Clinical Narrative
This product contains five MRT-tested substances, including cocoa, cow’s milk derivatives, soy-based lecithin, and chemical flavorings. The presence of multiple triggers across different categories (Food and Chemical) makes this product unsuitable for the elimination and early reintroduction phases of the LEAP protocol. It is categorized as High Risk and should only be considered during Phase 3 under the guidance of a Certified LEAP Therapist.
Flagged Ingredient Mapping
| Ingredient | Maps To (MRT Panel) | Match Type |
|---|---|---|
| chocolate | Cocoa | DIRECT_MATCH |
| cocoa butter | Cocoa | DIRECT_MATCH |
| cocoa processed with alkali | Cocoa | DIRECT_MATCH |
| milk fat | Cow’s Milk | DIRECT_MATCH |
| lecithin (soy) | Lecithin (Soy) | DIRECT_MATCH |
| lecithin (soy) | Soybean | DIRECT_MATCH |
| vanillin | Coumarin/Vanillin | CHEMICAL_MATCH |
This is procedural data interpretation, not medical guidance. Always consult your Certified LEAP Therapist.
Understanding These Triggers
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is tested as a standalone substance. Reactivity to cocoa affects all chocolate-containing products. Distinct from dairy or sugar reactions that often co-occur in chocolate.
One of the most commonly reactive substances on the MRT panel. Found in dairy products and many processed foods as whey, casein, or milk solids. Cross-reactive with goat and sheep milk in some patients.
Soy lecithin is one of the most ubiquitous food additives, used as an emulsifier in chocolate, baked goods, and margarine. Even small amounts can trigger mediator release in sensitive patients.
Soy-derived ingredients appear in a wide range of processed foods including soy lecithin, soybean oil, and textured soy protein. One of the most prevalent hidden triggers.
A chemical compound found in cinnamon, vanilla, and many artificial flavorings. Tested on the MRT chemical additives panel. Often hidden under "natural flavors" or "artificial flavoring" on labels.
What This Means For Your Diet
With 5 identified triggers, this product has a high concentration of MRT-tested substances. The probability that at least one of these triggers is reactive on your personal panel is statistically significant.
This product is not recommended during Phase 1 (Elimination) or Phase 2 (Reintroduction). It may only be considered during Phase 3 (Maintenance) after your Certified LEAP Therapist has confirmed that all 5 substances scored Green on your individual MRT results.
Products with 3 or more MRT panel triggers require individualized evaluation. Do not attempt to self-assess — your CLT has the clinical training to weigh multiple reactive substances and potential cross-reactivity.
Full Ingredient List
chocolate, cocoa butter, cocoa processed with alkali, milk fat, lecithin (soy), lecithin (soy), vanillin
More from The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company — ICE BREAKERS, ICE CUBES SUGAR FREE GUM, SPEARMINT, SPEARMINT
High RiskThe Hershey Company — PULL ‘N’ PEEL CANDY, WATERMELON
High RiskThe Hershey Company — PULL ‘N’ PEEL CANDY LOW FAT SNACK, CHERRY
High RiskThe Hershey Company — CRISP WAFERS IN MILK CHOCOLATE MINATURES, CRISP WAFERS IN MILK CHOCOLATE
About This Assessment
This safety assessment was generated by cross-referencing the USDA FoodData Central ingredient record for this product against the 176 substances tested on the Mediator Release Test (MRT) panel. Clinical notes are produced with AI assistance using the matched ingredient data and reviewed by Kerry Watson, NTP, RWP for accuracy against published LEAP ImmunoCalm® protocol guidelines. Risk classifications are based on the number and type of MRT-tested substances identified. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice — always consult your Certified LEAP Therapist before making dietary changes.
Find a LEAP Therapist
Get personalized guidance from a Certified LEAP Therapist in your area.
Browse Practitioners