Hershey to Restore Classic Reese's Recipes After Criticism

The move comes after the grandson of Reese's founder criticized the company for shifting to cheaper ingredients.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:05pm

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Hershey announced it will shift back to classic recipes for all Reese's products starting in 2027, following criticism from Brad Reese, the grandson of Reese's founder, who said the company has been diluting the brand by using less milk chocolate and peanut butter. Hershey acknowledged making some recipe changes in recent years to meet consumer demand for innovation and address high global cocoa prices, but said it will now return to the original formulas.

Why it matters

The Reese's brand is a flagship product for Hershey and a symbol of trust and quality for consumers. The company's decision to revert to the classic recipes aims to address concerns from the Reese's founder's descendant about the brand's integrity and the company's commitment to its heritage.

The details

Hershey said it will use classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes for all Reese's products, including items like mini Easter eggs that had previously used a less chocolatey coating. The company also plans to make other changes to its sweets portfolio in 2027, including transitioning to natural colors and enhancing the creaminess of Kit Kat bars.

  • Hershey will shift all Reese's products back to classic recipes starting in 2027.
  • Hershey plans to increase its research and development funding by 25% next year.

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 criticized Hershey for diluting the brand's classic recipe.

H.B. Reese

The inventor of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, who founded the Reese's candy company in 1919 before selling it to Hershey in 1963.

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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 plans to increase its research and development funding by 25% next year to support the recipe changes and other innovations across its sweets portfolio.

The takeaway

Hershey's decision to restore the classic Reese's recipes reflects the company's efforts to maintain the integrity and trust of its flagship brand in the face of consumer concerns about ingredient changes. This move underscores the importance of brand heritage and authenticity, even as companies seek to adapt to evolving market demands.