Hershey Reverts to Classic Chocolate Recipes After Backlash
Hershey will restore classic milk and dark chocolate recipes for Reese's and Hershey's products by 2027 after public criticism from the Reese founder's grandson.
Daily CallerIconic Candy Company Going Back To Classic Recipe After Backlash
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CBS NewsHershey says it will shift back to classic Reese's recipe after backlash
New York PostWhy Hershey is swapping Reese’s ingredients — and what it means for how they’ll taste
ABC NewsHershey says it will shift back to classic recipe for all Reese's products after criticism
Overview
Hershey said it will return to classic milk and dark chocolate recipes for all Reese's and Hershey's products by 2027 and will use classic recipes for all Reese's products starting next year, the company said.
The move followed a public complaint by Brad Reese, the grandson of Reese's founder, who posted a letter on LinkedIn on Valentine's Day criticizing recipe changes, according to reports.
CEO Kirk Tanner said consistency is important and that recipe reviews began after he joined in August 2025, while Brad Reese said he saw "red flags" and questioned the timing, their statements show.
Hershey said the change will affect less than 3% of Reese's products and a tiny portion of Hershey's products.
The company said it will remove all artificial colors by the end of next year, enhance Kit Kat for a creamier taste, and increase research and development funding by 25% next year.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a consumer-trust controversy by foregrounding the founder’s grandson’s criticism and using terms like "ignited the controversy," while balancing with company statements and context about cocoa prices. Editorial choices — lead placement of the complaint, selected quotes, and brief corporate rebuttal — create a narrative of reputational risk.