Hershey will use classic recipes for all Reese’s products starting next year, a change that comes after the grandson of Reese’s founder criticized the company for shifting to cheaper ingredients. Brad Reese ignited the controversy in a public letter he sent to Hershey’s corporate brand manager on Valentine’s Day. “How does Hershey continue to position Reese’s as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust, quality and leadership, while quietly replacing the very ingredients (milk chocolate and peanut butter) that built Reese’s trust in the first place?” Hershey acknowledged some recipe changes, but said it was trying to meet consumer demand for innovation. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have always been made with real milk chocolate or dark chocolate and peanut butter. A small portion of Hershey’s and Reese’s products, like mini Easter eggs, are now made with a coating that contains less chocolate. Hershey said that in 2027, it will shift those products to their classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes. The Pennsylvania-based company said it will also be making other changes to its sweets portfolio next year, including transitioning to natural colors and enhancing Kit-Kat’s recipe to make it creamier.
