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Reese's Family Feud Erupts Over Alleged Recipe Changes
A Reese family member accuses Hershey of cutting corners on ingredients in some Reese's products.
Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:33pm
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A member of the Reese family, Brad Reese, has accused The Hershey Company of quietly changing ingredients in some Reese's products, including using cheaper compound coatings instead of milk chocolate and peanut-butter-flavored crème instead of real peanut butter. Hershey has acknowledged making "recipe adjustments" in newer Reese's items, but says the classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are still made the same way. The debate has sparked a family feud, with a relative urging Brad Reese to stop his "unfounded negative comments" that have "affected the price of the stock."
Why it matters
This family feud highlights the importance of transparency in food manufacturing, as consumers want to know exactly what ingredients are in the products they're buying, especially for iconic brands like Reese's. The debate also raises questions about whether cost-cutting measures by large corporations can erode the quality and integrity of beloved food products over time.
The details
According to the report, Brad Reese, the grandson of Reese's founder H.B. Reese, claims that Hershey has replaced milk chocolate with a cheaper compound coating made with vegetable oils, and real peanut butter with peanut-butter-flavored crème in some Reese's products. He says this represents a drop in quality while prices remain the same. Hershey has acknowledged making "recipe adjustments" in newer Reese's items to support different shapes, sizes, and spin-offs, but insists the classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are still made the same way.
- Brad Reese made his accusations in February 2026.
The players
Brad Reese
The grandson of Reese's founder H.B. Reese, who is accusing Hershey of changing ingredients in some Reese's products.
The Hershey Company
The company that owns the Reese's brand and has acknowledged making "recipe adjustments" in newer Reese's items.
Becky
Brad Reese's cousin, who urged him to stop his "unfounded negative comments" that have "affected the price of the stock."
What they’re saying
“I can't just let it go. They're lowering the quality of ingredients, charging the same price, and probably giving you a smaller product size. I'm really embarrassed as a member of the Reese family.”
— Brad Reese (New York Post)
“Brad, this is your cousin Becky. You have created a nightmare for our family and the company. You might be in legal trouble because [your] unfounded negative comments have affected the price of the stock.”
— Becky, Brad Reese's cousin (New York Post)
The takeaway
This family feud highlights the importance of transparency in food manufacturing, as consumers want to know exactly what ingredients are in the products they're buying, especially for iconic brands like Reese's. The debate also raises questions about whether cost-cutting measures by large corporations can erode the quality and integrity of beloved food products over time.
