Hershey announced on Wednesday its decision to revert all Reese’s products to their original recipes starting next year, following criticism from the grandson of the brand’s founder over the use of cheaper ingredients. While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have traditionally been crafted with genuine milk or dark chocolate and peanut butter, a small selection of Hershey’s and Reese’s items, such as mini Easter eggs, have recently featured a coating with reduced chocolate content.
The company declared its intention to transition these products back to their “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes” by 2027. Hershey, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, also disclosed plans to implement further modifications to its confectionery lineup in the upcoming year, which include adopting natural colors and enhancing the Kit Kat recipe for a creamier texture. Additionally, Hershey revealed a 25% boost in research-and-development funding for the following year.
In a statement, the company emphasized its dedication to producing beloved products that align with evolving consumer tastes and preferences. Brad Reese, the grandson of the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, sparked the debate by addressing a public letter to Hershey’s corporate brand manager on Valentine’s Day.
Reese questioned Hershey’s strategy of maintaining Reese’s as a flagship brand symbolizing trust, quality, and leadership while surreptitiously altering the foundational ingredients of milk chocolate and peanut butter. The controversy escalated after Reese posted the letter on his LinkedIn profile, prompting a response from Hershey.
Hershey acknowledged making some recipe adjustments but defended its actions as efforts to cater to consumer demand for innovation. Rising cocoa prices have also incentivized Hershey and other industry players to explore formulations with reduced chocolate content in recent times.
The Associated Press attempted to reach out to Brad Reese for comment but received no response as of Wednesday. H.B. Reese, the grandfather of Brad Reese, established Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928 after a brief tenure at Hershey, ultimately leading to the sale of his company to Hershey by his six sons in 1963.
