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 regarding the switch to lower-cost 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 been utilizing a coating with reduced chocolate content.
The company confirmed its plan to shift these products back to their “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes” by 2027. Additionally, Hershey, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, will implement various changes to its confections lineup next year, including transitioning to natural colors and enhancing Kit Kat’s formula to enhance its creaminess. Hershey disclosed a 25% boost in research and development funding for the upcoming year.
In a statement, the company expressed its dedication to crafting products that resonate with consumers, necessitating ongoing recipe assessments to align with evolving 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, questioning the company’s integrity in altering the fundamental ingredients that initially established Reese’s reputation.
Hershey responded by acknowledging some modifications to recipes but emphasized its efforts to cater to evolving consumer demands for innovation. Escalating cocoa prices have prompted Hershey and other industry players to explore alternatives to reduce chocolate content in recent times. The Associated Press reached out to Brad Reese for comment, but received no immediate response.
Brad Reese is the grandson of H.B. Reese, who briefly worked at Hershey before establishing his candy company in 1919. H.B. Reese introduced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928, with his sons later selling the business to Hershey in 1963.
