Hershey has announced it will revert to classic recipes for all Reese's products from 2027, following a public backlash led by the grandson of the brand's founder. Brad Reese criticised the company in an open letter for using cheaper ingredients, including a chocolate-flavoured coating on some items such as mini Easter eggs.
The US confectionery giant said it will switch those products back to milk chocolate or dark chocolate recipes. The change comes as part of a wider portfolio review, which also includes transitioning to natural colours and making KitKat creamier. Hershey plans to increase research and development funding by 25% next year.
In a statement, Hershey said it is 'committed to making products consumers love' and that it continually reviews recipes to meet evolving tastes. The company acknowledged earlier recipe changes were driven by consumer demand for innovation and high cocoa prices, which have led many manufacturers to reduce chocolate content.
Brad Reese, grandson of inventor H.B. Reese, wrote to Hershey's brand manager on Valentine's Day, questioning how the firm could position Reese's as a flagship brand while quietly replacing core ingredients. H.B. Reese created the peanut butter cups in 1928, and his sons sold the company to Hershey in 1963.
