We Sampled And Ranked 18 Hershey’s Kisses Flavors
We taste tested a mountain of Hershey’s Kisses so you do not have to, lining them up from seasonal curiosities to everyday legends. Some were instant favorites, others felt like limited edition experiments that should stay limited.
You will find cozy holiday picks, creamy throwbacks, and a few bold twists that might surprise you. Ready to see which flavors truly deserve a spot in your candy bowl?
1. Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin Spice sounds like an automatic win, but it can veer more candle aisle than candy bite. The spices read heavy and perfumey, nudging the chocolate into the background.
If you love fall everything, you might vibe with it, but most will not.
There is a creamy sweetness, yet the aftertaste feels a touch artificial. A couple pieces bring cozy novelty, then you are ready to pivot.
It earns points for seasonal spirit, not for balance.
2. Gingerbread
Gingerbread promises cozy vibes, but the spice can feel sharp against the chocolate. Instead of warm bakery notes, it sometimes lands a little medicinal.
You get hints of molasses and cinnamon, though the whole combo feels slightly confused.
A few pieces in, the novelty wears off and the bite skews uneven. When it hits right, it is nostalgic and playful.
When it misses, it tastes like spice dust over sweet creme.
3. Sugar Cookie
Sugar Cookie feels nice, but it is mostly sweet vanilla turned up loud. The cookie energy leans more frosting than baked dough.
If you crave gentle, uncomplicated sweetness, this lands softly.
Texture helps, with a creamy snap that keeps nibbling fun. Still, it lacks dimension and finishes quickly.
Great for kids and simple moods, but it rarely screams must have.
4. Candy Cane
Candy Cane hits refreshing at first, with peppermint sparkle and creamy sweetness. After a few pieces, the mint elbows the chocolate aside.
You get festive joy, then palate fatigue.
It is great sprinkled over hot cocoa or tucked into stockings. As a snack, it peaks early and exits quickly.
Fun, cheerful, and best in small bursts during the holidays.
5. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint Bark feels creamier and more balanced than Candy Cane, with a smoother chocolate presence. The mint is present without bulldozing everything.
Still, it lives in seasonal territory and rarely works year round.
A couple pieces alongside coffee taste delightful. A handful more, and the sweetness stacks up.
Keep it for December dessert trays and call it a win.
6. Hot Cocoa
Hot Cocoa brings sweet nostalgia, like sipping from a snowy ski lodge mug. The flavor leans toward hot chocolate mix instead of true cocoa richness.
Still, it is comforting and playful.
Marshmallowy notes make it extra cuddly. You will want it on movie nights, not everyday.
Solid winter candy, charming in small clusters.
7. Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie surprises with zesty tang and creamy sweetness. The citrus pops bright, though it feels more dessert flavored candy than classic chocolate.
If you enjoy lime yogurt vibes, you will be happy here.
It is refreshing, just not an everyday grab. A fun summer bowl filler or cheesecake topper.
Interesting, playful, and slightly polarizing.
8. Strawberry Ice Cream Cone
Strawberry Ice Cream Cone tastes like a carnival in candy form. It is creamy, fruity, and sprinkled with nostalgia.
Sensitive palates might catch artificial notes, yet the fun factor stays high.
Think milkshake energy rather than deep chocolate. Great for themed parties or sundae bars.
You will smile, then probably switch to something richer.
9. Birthday Cake
Birthday Cake shows up shouting party time. It is sugar forward with buttery icing vibes and a playful crunch.
Subtle it is not, but the joy is undeniable.
Perfect for topping cupcakes or snack mixes. After a handful, the sweetness climbs, so pace yourself.
Big smile energy, minimal nuance, dependable crowd pleaser.
10. Mint Truffle
Mint Truffle feels like the grown up mint. The center is smoother and the chocolate actually leads.
You get cooling freshness without losing cocoa depth.
It pairs beautifully with coffee after dinner. The richness keeps it from tasting like toothpaste candy.
Balanced, elegant, and surprisingly snackable.
11. Cherry Cordial
Cherry Cordial channels fancy chocolate box energy in a playful Kiss. The cherry is bold and sweet, with a syrupy note that some adore.
When you are in the mood, it is perfect.
It is a lot, though, and two or three pieces may suffice. Pair with espresso for balance.
A nostalgic indulgence that feels special yet occasional.
12. Almond Crème
Almond Crème brings creamy nuttiness that feels quietly sophisticated. The almond flavor reads authentic and gentle, lifting the sweetness.
It is the kind of Kiss you keep grabbing without noticing.
There is a silky finish that invites another piece. Not flashy, but consistently satisfying.
A subtle standout for nut lovers.
13. Caramel
Caramel is a classic crowd pleaser that feels instantly right. The soft center oozes gently, hugging the milk chocolate with buttery warmth.
It tastes special without trying too hard.
Great solo, better atop brownies or mixed into trail mix. Two pieces turn into five quickly.
Dependable, familiar, and totally delicious.
14. Cookies n Creme
Cookies n Creme is creamy, crunchy, and endlessly snackable. The chocolate flavor is lighter, but the cookie bits keep texture exciting.
It is the flavor you grab without thinking.
Perfect for late night handfuls or ice cream toppings. Not deep or dark, just happy.
A top tier comfort choice.
15. Hugs
Hugs brings the best of both worlds by swirling milk chocolate with white creme. The balance lands sweet but not cloying, and the striped look feels delightfully extra.
It reads like a dressed up classic.
Great for candy bowls and baking projects. The flavor stays friendly across moods.
Familiar, polished, and worthy of repeat grabs.
16. Milk Chocolate With Almonds
Milk Chocolate With Almonds adds welcome crunch and a roasted note that rounds every bite. The nut makes each Kiss feel more complete and satisfying.
It is a classic pairing that never disappoints.
Snack by the handful or mix into trail mix for contrast. The balance of sweet and nutty works anytime.
Consistently great and hard to stop eating.
17. Special Dark
Special Dark dials down sweetness and turns up cocoa character. It feels more grown up without becoming bitter.
If milk chocolate skews sugary for you, this is the everyday upgrade.
Great with coffee or red wine, it plays well with adult desserts. The finish is clean and satisfying.
A staple for darker cravings.
18. Classic Milk Chocolate
Classic Milk Chocolate is the blueprint that never fades. Smooth, familiar, and somehow better than memory after a break.
It melts perfectly and makes everything feel a little brighter.
From baking to snacking, it does it all without fuss. You will always find room for one more.
The gold standard of Kisses, full stop.
