Outrage as Reese's Heir Calls Out Hershey's Ingredient Swap

The grandson of H.B. Reese, the creator of Reese's candy, is accusing The Hershey Co. of betraying consumer trust by changing the candy's ingredients. Brad Reese criticized Hershey for replacing real milk chocolate and peanut butter with cheaper ingredients like "compound coatings" and "peanut butter-style crème."

H.B. Reese invented the iconic cup in 1928, and Brad Reese argues that Hershey's recent ingredient changes go against the brand's original values. He mentioned that recent Reese's products no longer contain real milk chocolate and peanut butter, leading to a personal disappointment with the quality.

Despite Hershey's claims that they have not altered the core product of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Brad Reese insists that changes have been made. He highlights examples like Take5 and Fast Break bars, which he says no longer use real milk chocolate coatings.

Market experts suggest that rising cocoa prices may be driving manufacturers to modify formulas to maintain prices. By using terms like "chocolate candy" instead of "milk chocolate," companies can navigate FDA regulations on cocoa butter and milk fat percentages.

Consumer Impact and Feedback

While Hershey's CFO asserts that the ingredient changes have had no negative impact on consumers, Brad Reese disagrees. He claims that feedback from the public contradicts the company's statements about the alterations made to products like Take5 and Fast Break bars.