MrBeast Defends Feastables Peanut Butter Cups After Reese's Heir Accuses Hershey's of Changing Ingredients

YouTube star promotes his own brand as Reese's descendant alleges Hershey's has altered Reese's Peanut Butter Cup recipe.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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MrBeast, the popular YouTube creator, has weighed in on a public dispute between the grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, and The Hershey Company. Brad Reese accused Hershey's of altering the key ingredients in some Reese's products, including using "peanut-butter-style crèmes" instead of real peanut butter. MrBeast used this opportunity to promote his own chocolate company, Feastables, which he says uses "real peanut butter just like you'd find in a jar."

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing competition in the chocolate and candy industry, with legacy brands like Hershey's facing challenges from newer, more mission-driven companies like MrBeast's Feastables. It also raises questions about consumer preferences and the importance of using high-quality, authentic ingredients in popular snack foods.

The details

Last week, Brad Reese, the grandson of H.B. Reese who created the iconic peanut butter cup, criticized Hershey's in a LinkedIn post, alleging that some Reese's products have shifted away from traditional milk chocolate and real peanut butter. He claimed certain items now use alternative components, including "peanut-butter-style crèmes." Hershey's acquired the Reese's brand in 1963 and has since made it one of its flagship products. MrBeast, who launched his own chocolate company Feastables in 2022, shared screenshots of Brad Reese's comments on X (formerly Twitter) and used the moment to promote his brand, saying "We use real peanut butter just like you'd find in a jar." When a user questioned whether MrBeast's move was more about profits, the YouTuber pushed back, saying "Easier high margin ways to make money than chocolate" and that Feastables aims to build a more ethical supply chain.

  • Last week, Brad Reese criticized Hershey's in a LinkedIn post.
  • Hershey's acquired the Reese's brand in 1963.

The players

MrBeast

A popular YouTube creator who launched his own chocolate company, Feastables, in 2022 to compete with legacy brands like Hershey's.

Brad Reese

The grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, who accused Hershey's of altering the key ingredients in some Reese's products.

The Hershey Company

A major chocolate and candy manufacturer that acquired the Reese's brand in 1963 and has since made it one of its flagship products.

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What they’re saying

“FYI this is why Feastables started selling peanut butter cups. We use real peanut butter just like you'd find in a jar.”

— MrBeast (X (formerly Twitter)

“Easier high margin ways to make money than chocolate.”

— MrBeast (X (formerly Twitter)

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing competition in the chocolate and candy industry, with newer, more mission-driven companies like MrBeast's Feastables challenging legacy brands like Hershey's over the use of high-quality, authentic ingredients. It also raises questions about consumer preferences and the importance of transparency in the food industry.