I Love Reese's Day

History of I Love Reese's Day

The creation of I Love Reese’s Day is credited to “The Hershey Company.” The month of May was chosen because of its position between March and July, during which National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day and Chocolate Day are respectively celebrated.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup was created by Harry Burnett Reese — a former employee of the Hershey Company. In 1917, Reese began working on a dairy farm owned by Hershey but later began working at the company’s candy factory during the 1920s. During this time, Reese began making candy in the basement of his Hershey home.

The chocolate Reese used in coating his candy was supplied by “The Hershey Company.” His candy-making business became so successful, that he resigned from Hershey and founded the “H.B Reese Candy Company” in 1923. However, he maintained a close relationship with his former employer. Reese’s candy company succeeded in creating a wide variety of candies but his famous Peanut Butter Cups weren’t produced until 1928. These ended up becoming his best-selling product. They were nicknamed ‘penny cups’ as they were sold for only a penny apiece.

When Reese passed away in 1956, his company passed to his six male children. However, in 1963, they sold the “H.B Reese Candy Company” to “Hershey’s Chocolate Company” for $23.5 million in stock. Those shares are now worth more than a billion dollars.

I Love Reese's Day timeline

1917

Reese is Employed by Hershey

Harry Burnett Reese begins working on a dairy farm owned by Hershey.

1923

The Candy Company is Founded

The “H.B Reese Candy Company” is founded by Harry Burnett Reese.

1928

The Peanut Butter Cup is Created

H.B Reese creates Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, selling them for a penny a piece.

1963

Hershey Acquires the Reese Candy Company

“The H.B Reese Candy Company” is sold to Hershey’s Chocolate Company.

I Love Reese's Day FAQs

When is I Love Reese's Day?

In 2027, I Love Reese’s Day is observed on Tuesday, May 18, offering another perfect opportunity to indulge in the beloved candy.

How popular are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

With millions of units sold annually, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups continue to be a dominant force in the candy market, beloved by consumers for their unique flavor combination.

How many varieties of Reese's products are there?

From miniature cups to giant bars, and even cereals and spreads, Reese’s offers dozens of product variations, constantly innovating to bring new chocolate and peanut butter experiences to fans.

What is the history of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

The H.B. Reese Candy Company was founded in 1923, and the iconic peanut butter cups were introduced five years later. In 1963, Hershey’s acquired the company, ensuring the widespread distribution and continued success of the beloved candy.

I Love Reese's Day Activities

Eat a peanut butter cup

Celebrate by treating yourself to a sweet peanut butter cup. Don’t eat alone, share with someone you love!

Study the process

Ever wondered about how your favorite candy is made? Satisfy your curiosity by watching videos or reading articles about how candy, especially Reese’s, is made!

Use the hashtag

We want more people to learn about this chocolatey holiday! Share this article and add the hashtag #reesesday.

5 Interesting Facts About Chocolate

Obtained from seeds

Chocolate is obtained from cacao beans from the tropical cacao tree.

Chocolate contains antibacterial properties

‘Cocoa’ — from which chocolate is made — contains antibacterial agents that are capable of preventing tooth decay and the growth of bacteria.

Cacao beans were once a currency

Cacao beans were once so valued and highly prized that they were used by the Aztecs as a money currency.

Chocolate lowers fat

According to a study conducted by the University of Grenada in 2013, chocolate has been proven to lower levels of fat in the body.

It takes a village

Making just one pound of chocolate requires about 400 cocoa beans.

Why We Love I Love Reese's Day

We love chocolate!

Who doesn’t love chocolate? We love this holiday because it celebrates one of the most well-known chocolates in the U.S.!

We love H.B Reese’s ingenuity

What would chocolate lovers do without Reese’s peanut butter cups? We appreciate the ingenuity of H.B Reese in creating a new and unique piece of candy that’s been charming people ever since its creation.

We love the peaceful merger

We love the peaceful merger between the “H.B Reese Candy Company” and the “Hershey Company.” It’s more admirable because Reese himself was once an employee of “The Hershey Company.”