Reese's Inventor's Grandson Criticizes Hershey Over Ingredient Changes
The grandson of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups inventor has criticized The Hershey Co., alleging that the company has altered ingredients in several Reese's products, potentially affecting the brand's quality.
Brad Reese, 70, detailed in a February 14 letter to Hershey’s corporate brand manager that certain Reese's products have replaced milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut crème. Reese questioned how Hershey maintains Reese’s brand image of trust and quality while modifying foundational ingredients.
H.B. Reese, the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928, sold his company to Hershey in 1963.
Hershey Acknowledges Adjustments, Cites Innovation and Costs
Hershey has acknowledged making some recipe adjustments. The company stated these changes aim to meet consumer demand for product innovation and cited high cocoa prices as an influence for manufacturers to explore reduced chocolate content in recent years.
Hershey clarified that the original Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups continue to be manufactured with milk chocolate and peanut butter. The company stated that ingredient variations in other Reese's product lines facilitate the creation of new shapes, sizes, and innovations, while preserving the core combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Grandson Expresses Dissatisfaction with Specific Product
Brad Reese expressed dissatisfaction with the changes, citing a recent experience with Reese's Mini Hearts, a Valentine's Day product. He noted that the packaging indicated "chocolate candy and peanut butter crème" rather than milk chocolate and peanut butter.
Brad Reese described the product as "not edible."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandates specific ingredient and labeling standards for chocolate, requiring milk chocolate to contain at least 10% chocolate liquor, 12% milk solids, and 3.39% milk fat.