Hershey announced on Wednesday that it will revert all Reese’s products to their original recipes starting next year, following criticism from the grandson of the brand’s founder regarding the company’s shift to cheaper ingredients. While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups traditionally featured authentic milk or dark chocolate and peanut butter, a small portion of Hershey’s and Reese’s items, such as mini Easter eggs, now contain a coating with reduced chocolate content. Hershey confirmed that these products will return to their “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes” in 2027.
The Hershey company, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, revealed plans for additional changes to its confectionery lineup in the upcoming year. These modifications include transitioning to natural colors and enhancing the Kit Kat recipe for a creamier texture. Hershey also disclosed a 25% increase in research-and-development funding for the next year, emphasizing its commitment to producing beloved products that align with evolving consumer tastes and preferences.
The controversy was sparked by Brad Reese, the grandson of the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, who penned a public letter to Hershey’s corporate brand manager on Valentine’s Day. In his letter, shared on LinkedIn, Reese questioned how Hershey could maintain Reese’s reputation as a flagship brand synonymous with trust, quality, and leadership while quietly altering the foundational ingredients of milk chocolate and peanut butter that initially established consumer trust.
Hershey acknowledged the recipe adjustments but stated that they were driven by consumer demand for innovation. Escalating cocoa prices have prompted Hershey and other industry players to explore ways to reduce chocolate usage in their products in recent years. The Associated Press reached out to Brad Reese for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Brad Reese is the grandson of H.B. Reese, who worked at Hershey for two years before establishing his candy company in 1919. H.B. Reese introduced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928, with his sons eventually selling the company to Hershey in 1963.