KEY POINTS
- Brad Reese, grandson of H.B. Reese, alleges Hershey swapped original chocolate and peanut butter with cheaper alternatives.
- Reese’s criticizes formula shifts in several Reese’s products as straying from the original recipe.
- The Hershey Company says product adjustments enable new shapes and formats without altering brand essence.
Brad Reese, the grandson of H.B. Reese who invented the iconic peanut butter cup nearly a century ago, has publicly challenged The Hershey Company over alleged changes to the recipe of Reese’s products.
In a LinkedIn open letter this week, Brad Reese accused Hershey of replacing classic milk chocolate and real peanut butter with what he described as cheaper substitutes in multiple items across the Reese’s brand.
H.B. Reese originally created Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928, combining chocolate and peanut butter in a simple, enduring formula that became a staple of American confectionery. Over time, the brand was acquired by Hershey, which has since expanded Reese’s product line globally while preserving its position as a top-selling candy.
In his message, Brad Reese wrote that the essence of his grandfather’s creation is being diluted. He claimed that “milk chocolate” has been largely substituted with compound coatings — chocolate-like materials that do not meet the strict definition of traditional chocolate — and that peanut butter has been replaced by “peanut-butter-style crèmes” in certain products.
Reese argued these formulation changes amount to rewriting the identity of the product rather than preserving its heritage. The dispute reflects wider industry trends where food manufacturers adjust ingredients and production techniques in response to economic pressures, including historically high raw material costs.
Hershey addressed the allegations in a statement this Tuesday, saying the company had not made “drastic changes” to the core formulation of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
The company said that product innovations and expansions into new shapes, sizes and formats require recipe adjustments, but insisted that these modifications “protect the essence” of what makes Reese’s unique — the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Hershey’s response emphasized that the company strives to honor the legacy of its products while meeting consumer demand for variety and new experiences within the brand. The company did not provide details on how ingredient use varies among specific items in its Reese’s lineup.
The controversy has sparked broader consumer interest and debate around food labeling, ingredient transparency and the balance between innovation and tradition in beloved brands. While some consumers prioritize consistency with original recipes, others welcome new product forms or varieties that expand a brand’s market appeal.
Industry observers note that changes in ingredient sourcing and formulations often follow fluctuations in commodity prices such as cocoa, which can influence manufacturers’ cost structures. In recent years, cocoa has experienced volatility that led many producers to explore alternative formulations to manage expenses.
Such shifts occur within a competitive confectionery landscape where market leaders continually adapt to evolving consumer tastes and input costs. Hershey’s extensive product portfolio, including seasonal and specialty Reese’s offerings, reflects these broader commercial strategies.
The public dispute between a descendant of the original inventor and one of the world’s largest chocolate makers adds a human-interest dimension to debates over corporate stewardship of iconic food brands. Brad Reese’s critique taps into consumer nostalgia for the original product while questioning contemporary industry practices.
For now, Hershey stands by its product formulations and affirms that any adjustments serve to expand the Reese’s brand footprint without compromising what long-time fans recognize and enjoy.
