Viral Video of Bending Hershey Chocolate Bar Sparks Outrage

MrBeast cites video as reason for starting his own chocolate company, Feastables

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A viral video showing a Hershey's chocolate bar bending like rubber has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny over the company's manufacturing practices. The footage, which has been widely shared online, prompted a response from YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, who used the moment to promote his own chocolate brand, Feastables, as a cleaner alternative to mass-produced confectionery.

Why it matters

The bending bar footage has amplified existing concerns about Hershey's use of cheaper ingredients and substitutions in its products. This comes after the grandson of the original Reese's Peanut Butter Cup creator accused Hershey of cutting corners and using lower-quality oils. The incident highlights growing consumer demand for transparency and quality in the confectionery industry, which is facing rising production costs and pressure to maintain price points.

The details

The viral video shows a consumer twisting a Hershey's milk chocolate bar, which flexes completely rather than breaking. This has drawn criticism from consumers and public figures, including MrBeast, who responded on X by saying, 'This is why I started a chocolate company.' Feastables, MrBeast's brand, has positioned itself as a cleaner alternative to mass-produced confectionery, promoting shorter ingredient lists and fewer additives. The bending bar footage has renewed calls for Hershey to address its manufacturing practices, as the company faces a global shortage of cocoa beans that has driven up production costs.

  • The viral video of the bending Hershey's chocolate bar surfaced in March 2026.
  • Last month, the grandson of the original creator of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup publicly accused Hershey of substituting high-quality ingredients for cheaper oils and lower-grade alternatives.

The players

MrBeast

A YouTube entrepreneur who launched his own chocolate brand, Feastables, in part as a response to consumer frustration with ultra-processed ingredients in heritage snack products.

Hershey Company

A major confectionery company that has faced scrutiny over its manufacturing practices, including allegations of substituting high-quality ingredients for cheaper oils and lower-grade alternatives.

Brad Reese

The grandson of the original creator of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, who publicly accused Hershey of cutting corners and using lower-quality ingredients in its products.

Feastables

A chocolate brand launched by MrBeast, which has positioned itself as a cleaner alternative to mass-produced confectionery, promoting shorter ingredient lists and fewer additives.

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What they’re saying

“This is why I started a chocolate company.”

— Jimmy Donaldson, Founder, Feastables

What’s next

The Hershey Company has not publicly responded to the allegations made by Brad Reese or the viral video of the bending chocolate bar. Consumers and industry observers are waiting to see if the company will address the concerns about its manufacturing practices.

The takeaway

The bending Hershey's chocolate bar video has amplified existing concerns about the company's use of cheaper ingredients and substitutions, highlighting growing consumer demand for transparency and quality in the confectionery industry. This presents an opportunity for challenger brands like Feastables to position themselves as cleaner alternatives, but also raises questions about whether they can maintain their standards as they scale.