Hershey says it will shift back to classic recipe for all Reese’s products after criticism
Hershey’s said Wednesday it will use classic recipes for all Reese’s products starting next year, named after the granddaughter of the Reese’s founder. criticized the company To switch to cheaper materials.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are always made with real milk chocolate or dark chocolate and peanut butter. But a small portion of their products, such as Hershey’s and Reese’s mini Easter eggs, are now made with a coating that contains less chocolate.
Hershey said it will shift those products to “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes” in 2027.
The Hershey, Pennsylvania-based company said it will make other changes to its dessert portfolio next year, including switching to natural colors and improving the recipe for Kit-Kat to make it creamier. The company said it plans to increase its research and development funding by 25% next year.
“Hershey is committed to ensuring consumers love its products, and that means constantly revising our recipes to meet evolving tastes and preferences,” the company said in a statement.
Brad Reese, the grandson of the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, sparked the controversy in a public letter he sent to Hershey’s corporate brand manager on Valentine’s Day.
“How does Hershey Co. continue to position Reese’s as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust, quality and leadership, while also quietly changing the ingredients that build Reese’s trust (Milk Chocolate + Peanut Butter)?” Reese wrote the letter, which he posted on his LinkedIn profile.
Everything He acknowledged some recipe changes but said he was trying to meet consumer demand for innovation. High cocoa prices It has also led Hershey and other manufacturers to try using less chocolate in recent years.
The Associated Press left a message seeking comment with Brad Reese on Wednesday.
Brad Reese is the grandson of HB Reese, who spent two years at Hershey before starting his own candy company in 1919. HB Reese invented Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928; His six sons eventually sold his company to Hershey in 1963.
