Hershey Restores Reese's Founder's Original Recipe

Company responds to criticism from founder's grandson over cheaper ingredients.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:38pm

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Hershey announced it will return to using the classic milk chocolate and peanut butter recipes for all Reese's products starting in 2027, after facing backlash from the grandson of Reese's founder over the company's use of cheaper ingredients in some products.

Why it matters

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have long been a beloved American candy, and Hershey's decision to stray from the original recipe sparked outrage from the Reese family and concerns that the brand's quality and reputation were being compromised.

The details

Hershey said it will transition all Reese's products, including items like mini Easter eggs, back to the classic milk chocolate and peanut butter formulas by 2027. The company also plans to increase research and development funding by 25% next year and make other changes like transitioning to natural colors and enhancing the recipe for Kit-Kat bars.

  • Hershey announced the changes on April 1, 2026.
  • The company said the Reese's recipe changes will take effect in 2027.

The players

Hershey

The Hershey Company, a major American chocolate and confectionery manufacturer based in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Brad Reese

The grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, who publicly criticized Hershey for using cheaper ingredients in some Reese's products.

H.B. Reese

The inventor of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, who founded his own candy company in 1919 after working at Hershey for two years.

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What they’re saying

“How does The Hershey Co. continue to position Reese's as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust, quality and leadership, while quietly replacing the very ingredients (Milk Chocolate + Peanut Butter) that built Reese's trust in the first place?”

— Brad Reese, Grandson of Reese's Founder

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

— Hershey

What’s next

Hershey said it plans to increase its research and development funding by 25% next year as part of the changes.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of iconic food brands and the backlash that can occur when a company is perceived as compromising quality for cost-cutting measures. Hershey's decision to restore Reese's original recipe shows the power of consumer loyalty and the Reese family's legacy.