Hershey has announced a significant reversal regarding the ingredients in some of its popular products, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, following public outcry and criticism from the family of the company’s founder.

Founder's Family Voices Concerns

Brad Reese, grandson of H.B. Reese, publicly accused Hershey of damaging the brand’s reputation by replacing key ingredients with cheaper alternatives in certain products. He told the Associated Press he was forced to discard a bag of Reese’s Mini Hearts, deeming them “not edible.”

Recipe Changes and Reversal

While standard Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups continue to use milk or dark chocolate, some seasonal items, like mini Easter eggs, had been made with coatings containing less chocolate. Hershey will return these seasonal products to their original milk and dark chocolate recipes by 2027.

Additional Product Updates

The reversal is part of a broader set of changes Hershey will implement next year. These include a shift to natural colors and an update to Kit Kat to enhance its creaminess. The company also plans to increase research and development spending by 25 percent.

Cocoa Prices and Market Pressures

Hershey has faced increasing pressure from rising cocoa prices in recent years, which likely contributed to the initial ingredient changes. The company acquired the H. B. Reese Candy Company in 1963.

Hershey has owned the H. B. Reese Candy Company since 1963.