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 use of cheaper ingredients. While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have traditionally featured real milk or dark chocolate and peanut butter, a subset of Hershey’s and Reese’s items, such as mini Easter eggs, now utilize a coating with reduced chocolate content.
In response to the feedback, Hershey disclosed its plan to transition these products back to their “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes” by 2027. The company, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, also revealed upcoming modifications to its confectionery lineup in the coming year, including a shift to natural colors and a revamp of Kit Kat’s formula to enhance its creaminess. Additionally, Hershey confirmed a 25% boost in research-and-development funding for the next year.
Stating a commitment to crafting beloved products that resonate with consumers, Hershey emphasized the importance of continuously evaluating recipes to align with changing tastes and preferences, as stated in an official communication. The controversy was initiated 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 the letter, Reese questioned how Hershey could maintain Reese’s status as a flagship brand symbolizing trust, quality, and leadership while clandestinely altering the foundational ingredients of milk chocolate and peanut butter that established Reese’s reputation. Reese’s letter was posted on his LinkedIn profile, sparking discussions within the confectionery industry.
Hershey acknowledged some adjustments to recipes but stressed that these changes aimed to address evolving consumer expectations and desires for innovation. Rising cocoa prices have prompted Hershey and other industry players to explore methods of reducing chocolate usage in response to market dynamics.
Efforts to reach Brad Reese for comment by The Associated Press on Wednesday were unsuccessful. H.B. Reese, the originator of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, had a brief tenure at Hershey before establishing his candy enterprise in 1919. Reese introduced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928, with his sons eventually selling the company to Hershey in 1963.