7 Best Hershey’s Kiss Flavors, Ranked

How many bites does it take you to eat a Hershey’s Kiss? I’m a two-biter, personally. But I know that’s controversial. Many believe that Hershey’s Kisses are one-bite treats. And they are treats on their own, by the way. They aren’t just peanut butter blossom toppers (although that is the best way to enjoy them, imo). And there are a lot more Hershey’s Kiss flavors than you might be aware of. We recently tasted through 11 Hershey’s Kiss flavors—and that’s not even all the Hershey’s Kiss flavors there are! It’s just the ones we could find in our area. 

Now that you’re aware of the wide world of Hershey’s Kisses, I’m sure you’re wondering, what’s the best Hershey’s Kiss flavor? Is it the classic milk chocolate? Pretty sure we all went into this taste test expecting that to be the case but, spoiler alert, it wasn’t! Here are the seven best Hershey’s Kisses flavors, ranked. Bookmark this list for the next time you need a little sweet treat or if you’re in charge of stocking the candy bowl at reception.

Hershey’s Kiss Flavors, Ranked

Best Design

Hershey’s Hugs

Amazon

First released in 1991, Hershey’s Hugs are an enduring flavor of Hershey’s Kisses. The concept is simple, but adorably executed: regular milk chocolate Kisses “hugged” by stripes of white creme. They look great. They taste fine. Essentially, these are like classic Hershey’s Kisses but sweeter, thanks to the white creme coating. You can buy these on their own or in a mixed back of Hugs & Kisses. That’s the smart way to go.

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

7/10

Sporks

Best Winter Flavor

Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Kisses

Amazon

These seasonal hot cocoa-inspired Kisses (first launched in 2018) are filled with marshmallow-flavored creme, which has a really lovely texture—it’s soft and fluffy rather than super gooey. And it works! It all combines to taste like a marshmallow-topped mug of instant cocoa. Yes, it’s super sweet. You won’t be eating these by the handful. But it’s a fun variation to keep an eye out for when the holiday season rolls around. 

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Best Filled Flavor

Hershey’s Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Kisses

Amazon

The Sporked team has been a big fan of these Kisses for a while. We’ve often suggested them as good Valentine’s Day treats (and we’ve enjoyed them when they’ve been reskinned as Dracula Kisses during Halloween). You get milk chocolate Kisses filled with strawberry-flavored goo that’s similar in texture to the stuff in Cadbury Creme Eggs. Personally, I’m not a goo guy. But if you are, you’ll love these. The filling is much more subtle and natural than you might expect—you’re not beaten over the head with fake strawberry flavor. If you’re a cherry cordial fan, you gotta get on these Hershey’s Kisses.

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Best Classic Flavor

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses

Amazon

You know it, you love it. But when was the last time you tasted a plain Milk Chocolate Hershey’s Kiss? Consider this a reminder to do so. Hershey’s Kisses are so good—if you like the flavor of Hershey’s Chocolate. If you’re going to complain that it’s not as good as Cadbury, then keep moving. But we love Hershey’s chocolate (as we discovered in our taste test of Hershey’s chocolate bars). And this is a perfect little nibble of chocolaty goodness.

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Best New Flavor

Hershey’s Cafe Moka Kisses

Amazon

Not long ago, these Hershey’s Kisses were only available to buy direct from Hershey’s as part of their internationally-inspired line of Hershey’s Kiss flavors. But now you can get them from major retailers. And get them you should. These are like Kiss-shaped mocha truffles. The inside is rich and ganache-like. The flavor is deep and roasty, like good espresso with wonderful cocoa notes. These are as close to artisanal chocolate as Hershey’s Kiss flavors get. Buy them and savor them.

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best White Chocolate

Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Kisses

Amazon

Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme is perfect, whether it’s a full size bar, fun size bar, or Kiss. The most impressive thing about these Kisses is that they have so many crunchy chocolate cookie inclusions. It’s a textural wonderland of a Hershey’s Kiss flavor. Even white chocolate haters have to admit it’s delightful. 

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best of the Best

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almond Kisses

Amazon

The best Hershey’s Kiss flavor is simple but perfect. Each Almond Hershey’s Kiss contains one, whole crunchy almond. The almond is wonderfully toasty and nutty—it’s not just there for texture. And somehow the almond flavor permeates the flavor of the milk chocolate, so the whole experience is a harmony of chocolate and nuts. Put a bowlful of these on your desk and you’ll be the reason people make the switch from working from home to going back into the office.

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other Hershey’s Kiss flavors we tried: 

Butterbeer, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Strawberry Ice Cream, Special Dark