Reese's Seasonal Treats Swap Milk Chocolate for Cheaper Alternatives

Hershey's makes recipe changes to some Reese's products amid rising cocoa prices

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Hershey's, the maker of Reese's candies, has quietly changed the recipes for some seasonal Reese's products, replacing milk chocolate with cheaper chocolate-flavored coatings. This has upset the grandson of the inventor of the original Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, who says he is "embarrassed" by the changes.

Why it matters

The recipe changes highlight the challenges facing chocolate companies as cocoa prices have risen sharply in recent years due to factors like drought, climate change, and labor shortages. Hershey's and other major candy makers have responded by using less expensive ingredients, raising prices, and shrinking packaging, which has led to backlash from some loyal customers.

The details

Hershey's has replaced the milk chocolate coating on some Reese's seasonal products, including Reese's Mini Hearts and Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs, with a chocolate-flavored coating that cannot legally be called "milk chocolate." Brad Reese, the grandson of the inventor of the original Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, said he was so upset by the change that he "had to actually throw it in the garbage" instead of consuming the product.

  • Hershey's made the recipe changes to some Reese's seasonal products in recent years.
  • Brad Reese discovered the changes to the Reese's Mini Hearts around Valentine's Day 2026.

The players

Brad Reese

The grandson of the inventor of the original Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, who has spoken out against Hershey's recipe changes to some Reese's products.

Hershey's

The company that makes Reese's brand candies and has changed the recipes for some Reese's seasonal products to use cheaper chocolate-flavored coatings instead of milk chocolate.

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What they’re saying

“I had to actually throw it in the garbage. That's the first time in my life I've ever thrown a product of Reese's out without consuming it.”

— Brad Reese, Grandson of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup inventor (The New York Times)

“I felt embarrassed to even wear anything that says Reese's on it.”

— Brad Reese, Grandson of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup inventor (The New York Times)

What’s next

Hershey's has stated that the classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are still being made with the original recipe, but it remains to be seen if the company will make further changes to other Reese's products in the future.

The takeaway

The recipe changes to Reese's seasonal products highlight the challenges facing the candy industry as cocoa prices rise, and show how even iconic brands like Reese's are not immune to cost-cutting measures that can upset loyal customers.