Reese's Heir Accuses Hershey of Altering Classic Candy Recipe

Grandson of Reese's inventor claims company has substituted key ingredients in iconic peanut butter cups.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Brad Reese, the grandson of H.B. Reese who invented the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, has publicly accused The Hershey Company of quietly changing the classic candy's original recipe. In an open letter on LinkedIn, Reese claimed Hershey has substituted the original milk chocolate and real peanut butter with 'compound coatings' and 'peanut‑butter‑style crèmes.' Reese argued this shift goes against the brand's reputation for simplicity and authenticity.

Why it matters

The Reese's brand is a multibillion-dollar flagship product for Hershey, so any perceived changes to the iconic candy's formula could be seen as a betrayal of consumer trust and the brand's legacy. Reese's criticisms have also drawn attention from high-profile figures like YouTuber MrBeast, who suggested his own product line was created in response to such ingredient shifts.

The details

In his open letter, Brad Reese claimed Hershey has substituted the original milk chocolate and real peanut butter in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with 'compound coatings' and 'peanut‑butter‑style crèmes.' Reese argued this shift goes against the brand's reputation for simplicity and authenticity that helped build it into a multibillion-dollar success. Hershey has denied making any fundamental changes to the core Reese's recipe, stating the cups are still made with fresh-roasted peanuts blended into peanut butter and combined with milk chocolate.

  • Reese posted the open letter criticizing Hershey on LinkedIn on February 18, 2026.

The players

Brad Reese

The grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

The Hershey Company

The multinational chocolate and confectionery company that owns the Reese's brand.

H.B. Reese

The inventor of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in the early 20th century.

MrBeast

A popular YouTube personality and the founder of the Feastables snack brand.

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What they’re saying

“The brand became a multibillion‑dollar success because it represented simplicity and authenticity, and he believes consumers deserve clear communication if those foundations are changing.”

— Brad Reese, Grandson of Reese's inventor (cleveland.com)

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the high stakes for iconic food brands like Reese's to maintain consumer trust in their core recipes and ingredients, even as companies seek to innovate and cut costs. Reese's criticisms suggest that transparency around any formula changes will be crucial for Hershey to preserve the brand's legacy and reputation for authenticity.