Everyone knows and loves the tiny, foil-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses, but do you know how these iconic chocolates came to be? Let’s unwrap the story behind one of America’s most beloved treats!

The Birth of a Bite-Sized Classic

In 1907, Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company, decided to create a smaller, bite-sized chocolate that could be easily wrapped and enjoyed. Up until that point, Hershey had already revolutionized chocolate-making in America with his famous Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, and now he was ready to go smaller—but just as tasty!

Using a special machine, the company produced little dollops of chocolate that had a unique teardrop shape. The machine would create a small "plop" sound as each piece was dropped onto the conveyor belt, and that sound is rumored to be where the name "Kisses" came from. It was a playful, affectionate nod to the soft, gentle motion of creating the candies. It also helped that the word "kiss" evokes a sense of sweetness and love, making it a perfect fit for a chocolate treat!

Wrapped in Tradition

In the early days, each Kiss was wrapped by hand in silver foil. As technology advanced, Hershey's introduced machinery to automate the wrapping process, allowing millions of Kisses to be produced daily. The now-iconic plume, that little paper tail that sticks out of the foil, was added in 1921 to help differentiate Hershey’s Kisses from competitors and to give them a signature look.

A Sweet Success

Hershey’s Kisses quickly became a hit. Their small size made them perfect for snacking, sharing, and gifting. Over time, they became more than just chocolate—they became a symbol of affection and celebration, showing up in everything from Valentine’s Day gifts to wedding favors.