Hershey Announces Return to Classic Reese's Recipes After Public Criticism
Hershey has confirmed it will revert all Reese's products to their original classic recipes starting next year, following significant backlash over recent ingredient changes. The decision comes after Brad Reese, grandson of the candy's inventor, publicly criticized the company for shifting to cheaper components in some products.
The Recipe Controversy Explained
While Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have traditionally been made with genuine milk chocolate or dark chocolate combined with peanut butter, Hershey had begun using a coating containing less chocolate in certain items like mini Easter eggs. This alteration sparked controversy when Brad Reese addressed it directly in a Valentine's Day letter to Hershey's corporate brand manager.
"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 that built Reese's trust in the first place?" Reese wrote in his public letter, which he shared on his LinkedIn profile.
Hershey's Response and Broader Changes
Hershey acknowledged making some recipe adjustments but stated these were attempts to meet consumer demand for innovation. The company also cited high cocoa prices as a factor that has led Hershey and other manufacturers to experiment with reduced chocolate content in recent years.
In a formal statement, Hershey explained: "Hershey is committed to making products consumers love and that means continually reviewing our recipes to meet evolving tastes and preferences."
The Pennsylvania-based confectionery giant announced that by 2027, affected products will transition back to "their classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes." This reversal forms part of broader modifications to Hershey's sweets portfolio planned for next year.
Additional Portfolio Updates Planned
Beyond the Reese's recipe restoration, Hershey revealed several other significant changes:
- Transitioning to natural colors across product lines
- Enhancing Kit-Kat's recipe to achieve a creamier texture
- Increasing research and development funding by 25% next year
The Reese Family Legacy
Brad Reese is the grandson of H.B. Reese, who worked at Hershey for two years before establishing his own candy company in 1919. H.B. Reese invented the iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in 1928, with his six sons eventually selling the business to Hershey in 1963. This family connection gave particular weight to Brad Reese's criticism of the recipe changes.
The Associated Press attempted to contact Brad Reese for additional comment on Wednesday, but no response was immediately available. The controversy highlights the delicate balance food manufacturers must maintain between cost management, innovation, and preserving beloved traditional recipes that have built brand loyalty over generations.
