This Classic Is Confection Perfection!

It happened when I opened my box of chocolates and discovered there were none left. Since I'm in the habit of eating exactly one piece of chocolate after lunch, I was crestfallen. How could this be? I'm usually vigilant about replenishing my chocolates. But somewhere along the line I had neglected one of my paramount duties. I was desperate. 

But then, tucked into the drawer where I keep the box of chocolates, I found them: two little Hershey Kisses! Salvation!

I had forgotten about those sweet, petite kisses but they didn't forget me. They were waiting there to be enjoyed.

In any event, Hershey Kisses can't hide even if they wanted to. Their bright foil wrapping and iconic paper tab, conveniently placed at the tip of the Kiss for easy opening, identifiy this candy treat immediately.

This is the Kiss we've always craved -- the one we grew up with.

A Near-Perfect Confection

Few treats have achieved the legendary status of the Hershey’s Kiss—a milk chocolate drop that has delighted generations with its simplicity, charm, and taste. From its humble beginnings at the dawn of the 20th century to its enduring presence in candy dishes, holiday stockings, and wedding favors, the Hershey’s Kiss has earned its place not just as a candy, but as a cultural touchstone. 

A Sweet Beginning

The Hershey’s Kiss was first introduced in 1907 by the Hershey Company, founded by Milton S. Hershey. At the time, chocolate was still something of a luxury, and mass production techniques were beginning to bring it into the hands of everyday consumers. 

The Kiss was revolutionary. It was small, affordable, and cleverly designed to be individually wrapped, making it an accessible indulgence for millions of Americans. Originally wrapped by hand in silver foil, the process was fully automated by 1921. That same year, the familiar paper plume was added to distinguish genuine Hershey’s Kisses from imitators.

Milton Hershey’s innovation didn’t just stop with affordability. He helped pioneer the use of fresh milk in chocolate, creating a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that remains a hallmark of Hershey’s milk chocolate to this day. The Kiss became a standout not only for its presentation but also for this signature taste.

The Power of a Shape

Perhaps no other candy is so defined by its silhouette. 

The Hershey’s Kiss’s teardrop shape, rounded with a narrow, twisting peak, is at once elegant and whimsical. Its contours fit naturally between the fingertips, making it feel almost like a gift each time one is unwrapped. And the unwrapping immediately entices us with the recognizable chocolate arome. 

Truth is, the shape is both functional and symbolic—it melts slowly on the tongue, offering a prolonged moment of pleasure, while also resembling a droplet or a miniature mountain of chocolate.

The visual identity of the Kiss is so strong that it has influenced packaging design, advertising, and even architecture—the Hershey Company’s streetlamps in Hershey, Pennsylvania are famously shaped like oversized Kisses.

Universal Popularity

More than 80 million Kisses are produced each day, and Incredibly, over the course of its more than 115-year history, the product has remained largely unchanged. That kind of consistency speaks volumes. The Kiss is a staple in American households, and its seasonal variations—like the red-and-green wrapped Christmas Kisses or the pastel-hued spring editions—ensure its continued relevance and appeal across generations. But I'll be honest -- I'm partial to the original; the one and only classic!

An Irresistible Taste

At the heart of the Kiss’s enduring appeal is its flavor. Hershey’s milk chocolate has a unique taste.  It melts slowly, prolonging the experience, and offers a familiar comfort in every bite.

Moreover, the Kiss speaks to the emotional side of eating: it's a treat shared between friends, a token of affection, a reward, or a simple comfort on a tough day. The very name “Kiss” suggests intimacy, warmth, and sweetness.

Yes, the Hershey’s Kiss is a masterclass in confectionery design—affordable, precise, delicious, and nostalgic. Isn't it wonderful that in a world of constant change and amidst the fickle, consumer-driven world we live in, this product has remained beloved for more than a century not because of gimmicks or reinvention, but because it was conceived with such thoughtful simplicity and care. 

From its innovative beginnings and distinctive shape to its widespread popularity and distinctive flavor, the Hershey’s Kiss remains a nearly perfect candy. It is proof that great things can indeed come in small, shiny packages!