Hershey Announces Changes to Reese's, Other Chocolate Products

Company says core recipes for Hershey's and Reese's remain unchanged, but some products will see tweaks.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:36pm

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The Hershey Company has announced recipe changes for some of its iconic chocolate products, including a small portion of its Reese's and Hershey's lines. While the core recipes for Hershey's chocolate bars and Reese's peanut butter cups remain unchanged, the company is making adjustments to bring a portion of its remaining products in line with their classic milk and dark chocolate formulas. The changes, which will take effect in 2027, are part of Hershey's commitment to continually reviewing recipes to meet evolving consumer tastes and preferences.

Why it matters

Hershey's is one of the world's largest chocolate manufacturers, and its brands like Reese's and Hershey's are beloved consumer staples. Any changes to their core recipes can have a significant impact on loyal customers, so the company is carefully balancing tradition with innovation as it seeks to adapt to shifting market demands.

The details

The key changes announced by Hershey's include transitioning to colors from natural sources across its sweet portfolio to enhance the creamier taste and texture of Kit Kat bars. The company is also bringing a small portion of remaining Hershey's and Reese's products in line with their classic milk and dark chocolate recipes, though the core formulas for the iconic Hershey's chocolate bars and Reese's peanut butter cups will remain unchanged.

  • The recipe changes will take effect in 2027.
  • Hershey's has increased its R&D budget by 25% to fund talent, technology, and nutrition science across its growing portfolio of confection, salty snacks, and functional snacking brands.

The players

The Hershey Company

One of the world's largest chocolate manufacturers, known for iconic brands like Hershey's and Reese's.

Brad Reese

The grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of the iconic Reese's brand, who has publicly criticized changes to Reese's products.

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What they’re saying

“Hershey is committed to making products consumers love and that means continually reviewing our recipes to meet evolving tastes and preferences.”

— The Hershey Company

“Reese's identity is being rewritten by decisions that replaced milk chocolate with compound coating and peanut butter with 'peanutbutterstyle cremes' across several Reese's products.”

— Brad Reese, Grandson of Reese's inventor H.B. Reese

What’s next

The Hershey Company has said it will continue to review its recipes and make adjustments to meet evolving consumer preferences. Fans of the brand will be watching closely to see how the changes to Reese's and other products are received.

The takeaway

Hershey's is walking a fine line between preserving the iconic recipes that have made its brands so beloved, while also adapting to changing consumer tastes. The company's significant investment in R&D suggests it is committed to innovating its product lineup, but it will need to do so carefully to avoid alienating loyal customers.