When did Hershey begin using vanillin in Hershey with almonds?

Hershey began using vanillin in its Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds around the late 1980s. This addition was part of a broader trend in the chocolate industry to enhance flavor profiles using synthetic flavorings. Vanillin, an artificial flavoring derived from vanilla, helps to give the chocolate a more pronounced vanilla taste. However, the exact year of its introduction can vary based on specific formulations and product releases.