Hershey Company Responds to Allegations of Reese's Recipe Changes

Inventor's grandson claims the iconic peanut butter cups have been altered from the original formula.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Hershey Company has pushed back on allegations from Brad Reese, the grandson of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup inventor H.B. Reese, that the iconic candy's recipe has been changed from the original formula created nearly 100 years ago. The company maintains that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are still made the same way, using the same key ingredients of milk chocolate and peanut butter, though it acknowledges making "recipe adjustments" over the years for new product innovations.

Why it matters

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are one of Hershey's most popular and recognizable products, with a loyal consumer base that values the candy's classic taste. Any perceived changes to the original recipe could upset longtime fans and raise questions about the company's commitment to maintaining the integrity of this beloved brand.

The details

In a LinkedIn post, Brad Reese accused Hershey of replacing the original milk chocolate with "compound coatings" and the peanut butter with "peanut-butter-style-crèmes." However, Hershey has stated that the iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are still made the same way, starting with roasting fresh peanuts to create the unique peanut butter that is then combined with milk chocolate. The company did acknowledge making "recipe adjustments" over the years to allow for new product innovations, such as holiday-specific Reese's that may have a different taste.

  • H.B. Reese created the original Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in his basement in 1928.
  • The Hershey Company purchased the Reese's business in 1963.

The players

H.B. Reese

The inventor who created the original Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in 1928.

Brad Reese

The grandson of H.B. Reese, who has accused The Hershey Company of changing the original Reese's recipe.

The Hershey Company

The company that purchased the Reese's business in 1963 and currently manufactures the iconic peanut butter cups.

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What they’re saying

“My grandfather, H. B. REESE (Who Invented REESE'S), built REESE'S on a simple, enduring architecture: Milk Chocolate + Peanut Butter. Not a flavor idea. Not a marketing construct. A real, tangible product identity that consumers have trusted for a century.”

— Brad Reese (LinkedIn)

“Our iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are made the same way they always have been; starting with roasting fresh peanuts to make our unique, one-of-a-kind peanut butter that is then combined with milk chocolate.”

— The Hershey Company (Statement)

What’s next

The Hershey Company has stated it will continue to maintain the integrity of the Reese's brand and recipe, despite any product innovations or line extensions. Consumers who are concerned about potential recipe changes can continue to provide feedback to the company.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the delicate balance companies must strike between preserving the classic appeal of iconic products and introducing new variations to meet evolving consumer tastes. Reese's loyal fan base values the candy's timeless taste, underscoring the importance of transparent communication from Hershey about any recipe adjustments.