Reese's Grandson Accuses Hershey Of Ingredient Swaps
H.B. Reese's grandson alleges Hershey replaced milk chocolate and peanut butter in multiple Reese's products; Hershey says some recipe adjustments enable new shapes and innovations while protecting the brand's essence.
Overview
Brad Reese wrote in a Feb. 14 LinkedIn letter that Hershey replaced milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut‑butter‑style crèmes across multiple Reese’s products.
Reese said he threw out a bag of Valentine’s Day Reese’s Mini Hearts because the package listed "chocolate candy and peanut butter crème" and he called the candies "not edible."
Hershey said Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are made the same way they always have been while it makes recipe adjustments, and CFO Steven Voskuil told investors in 2025 there was "no consumer impact whatsoever."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires milk chocolate to contain at least 10% chocolate liquor, at least 12% milk solids and at least 3.39% milk fat.
Reese posted his Feb. 14 letter on LinkedIn, said he can no longer represent the family brand, and called on Hershey to preserve "quality" amid the public dispute.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a heritage-versus-corporate-quality conflict by foregrounding the inventor’s grandson and using emotive headlines and leads that emphasize “quietly replacing” ingredients. Editorial choices — headline wording, lead placement, and emphasis on nostalgic quotes — shape that narrative, while company statements and FDA technical details remain presented as source content and context.
Sources (6)
FAQ
Brad Reese accused Hershey of replacing milk chocolate with compound coatings and real peanut butter with peanut-butter-style crèmes in multiple Reese’s products, including Valentine’s Day Mini Hearts, Take5, Fast Break bars, and White Reese's cups.
Hershey claims that the original Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are made the same way they always have been, using roasted peanuts for peanut butter and milk chocolate.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires milk chocolate to contain at least 10% chocolate liquor, at least 12% milk solids, and at least 3.39% milk fat.
Brad Reese spoke out after throwing away a bag of Reese’s Mini Hearts due to their poor taste and inaccurate labeling, and after noticing financial analysts questioning Hershey's ingredient changes amid rising stock prices.
History
3 sources