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

The descendant of the creator of Reese's candy, Brad Reese, has criticized The Hershey Co. for allegedly altering the essential ingredients of their products, such as replacing real milk chocolate and peanut butter with cheaper alternatives like "compound coatings" and "peanut butter-style crème."

H.B. Reese, who originally developed the iconic candy in his basement in 1928, had built the brand on the foundation of genuine ingredients and integrity. However, Brad Reese contends that the company has shifted away from this legacy. He expressed disappointment over finding that recent products like Valentine’s Day "Mini Hearts" no longer contain real milk chocolate and peanut butter.

Despite Hershey's assertion that they maintain the core recipe of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, market experts suggest that rising cocoa prices have led to adjustments in formulations. This has resulted in companies using terms like "chocolate candy" to comply with FDA regulations on cocoa butter and milk fat percentages.

Brad Reese disputes Hershey's claims, citing examples like Take5 and Fast Break bars where he alleges changes have been made to the chocolate coatings. He also highlighted that in the UK, the product is now marketed as having a "milk chocolate-flavored coating."

While Hershey's CFO stated that the alterations had no negative impact on consumers, Brad Reese believes otherwise based on feedback he has received. He maintains that the company's modifications to the products are significant and not in line with the traditional ingredients that built Reese's reputation.