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 use of cheaper ingredients. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have always been crafted with genuine milk or dark chocolate along with peanut butter. However, a small selection of Hershey’s and Reese’s items, such as mini Easter eggs, currently feature a coating with reduced chocolate content. Hershey confirmed that these products will transition back to their traditional “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes” by 2027.
The Pennsylvania-based company also disclosed plans for various adjustments to its confectionery lineup in the upcoming year, including the adoption of natural colors and a revamp of Kit Kat’s recipe to enhance its creaminess. Hershey stated its intention to boost research and development funding by 25% in the following year.
In a statement, the company expressed its dedication to producing products that cater to 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 how Hershey could maintain Reese’s as its flagship brand representing trust, quality, and leadership while stealthily altering the foundational ingredients (Milk Chocolate + Peanut Butter) that established Reese’s reputation.
Hershey clarified that while there have been some recipe modifications, they are aimed at meeting consumer demands for innovation. Escalating cocoa prices have prompted Hershey and other industry players to explore using reduced chocolate content in recent times. The Associated Press attempted to contact Brad Reese for comment but received no 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, and his six sons eventually sold the company to Hershey in 1963.