Reese's heir slams Hershey for ditching milk chocolate and peanut butter

Rising cocoa prices have pushed chocolate manufacturers to cut costs by altering recipes. One of the latest changes has sparked outrage from Brad Reese, the grandson of H.B. Reese, who claims Hershey is compromising the quality of Reese's products. After discovering that Reese's Mini Hearts no longer contained milk chocolate or peanut butter, he publicly criticized the company for straying from its original formula.

The issue came to light when Reese discarded a pack of Reese's Mini Hearts, finding they had been replaced with cheaper ingredients. Hershey confirmed that some products now use compound coatings and peanut spread instead of traditional milk chocolate and peanut butter. The company has also adopted terms like 'chocolate candy' to avoid strict FDA labeling rules on milk chocolate content.

Since 2021, major manufacturers—including Mars, Mondelēz, and Ferrero—have increasingly swapped cocoa butter for palm oil and other vegetable fats. Hershey has taken this approach further, particularly in mass-market lines, leading to consumer backlash. Reese argued that such changes betray the trust built by the Reese's brand over decades.

Hershey acknowledged recipe adjustments but stressed that the classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups remain unchanged. Reese, however, insisted that quality should never be sacrificed, quoting Milton Hershey's commitment to excellence.

The shift toward cheaper ingredients reflects broader industry trends as cocoa prices climb. Hershey's adjustments have drawn criticism, particularly from those tied to the brand's legacy. For now, the company maintains that its core products stay true to the original, even as other lines adapt to cost pressures.