Hershey Announces Recipe Changes for Reese's, Kit Kat, and Other Iconic Chocolate Brands

The company says it will use more natural ingredients and enhance the taste and texture of some products.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:34pm

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The Hershey Company has announced recipe changes for some of its most popular chocolate products, including Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Kit Kat bars. While the core recipes for Hershey's chocolate bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups will remain the same, the company says it will make 'a small portion' of its other Hershey's and Reese's products align more closely with their classic milk and dark chocolate formulas. The recipe for Kit Kat bars will also be 'enhanced' to give them a 'creamier taste and texture.' Hershey says the changes, which will take effect next year, are part of its commitment to 'continually reviewing our recipes to meet evolving tastes and preferences.'

Why it matters

Hershey's iconic chocolate brands, including Reese's and Kit Kat, are beloved by consumers worldwide. Any changes to their recipes can be met with backlash, as seen earlier this year when the grandson of Reese's inventor accused the company of altering the original peanut butter cup formula. The announcement of these recipe updates comes as food manufacturers face pressure from regulators to use more natural ingredients and as consumers demand greater transparency around product formulations.

The details

The Hershey Company says the recipe changes will affect 'a small portion' of its Hershey's and Reese's products, bringing them more in line with the classic milk and dark chocolate formulas. The recipe for Kit Kat bars will also be 'enhanced' to improve the creaminess of the taste and texture. Hershey maintains that the core recipes for its Hershey's chocolate bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have not changed. The company says it is committed to 'continually reviewing our recipes to meet evolving tastes and preferences' and will be using 'colors from natural sources' in line with industry trends.

  • The recipe changes will take effect next year (2027).

The players

The Hershey Company

A major American chocolate and confectionery company that produces popular brands like Hershey's, Reese's, and Kit Kat.

Brad Reese

The grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of the iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup brand, who has accused Hershey of changing the original recipe.

Todd Scott

The Corporate Brand and Editorial Manager at The Hershey Company.

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What they’re saying

“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

What’s next

Hershey says the recipe changes will take effect next year, so consumers can expect to see the updated products on store shelves in 2027.

The takeaway

Hershey's decision to tweak the recipes of some of its most iconic chocolate brands, like Reese's and Kit Kat, highlights the ongoing pressure food manufacturers face to adapt their products to meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory demands around natural ingredients. While Hershey maintains the core formulas will remain the same, any changes to beloved classics can risk backlash from loyal fans.