Accusations of Ingredient Changes Rock Hershey's Reese's Brand

Brad Reese, the grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, has publicly accused The Hershey Company of altering the original recipe for the iconic candy. In a letter published on LinkedIn on February 14, 2026, Reese claims that Hershey has replaced traditional ingredients, specifically milk chocolate and real peanut butter, with cheaper alternatives such as compound coatings and peanut butter-style crèmes. He argues that these changes undermine the brand's integrity and consumer trust, stating, “How does The Hershey Company continue to position Reese’s as a flagship brand... while quietly replacing the very ingredients that built Reese’s trust in the first place?”

Hershey blasted by Reese’s family over core ingredient changesThe Patriot-NewsWHP - Harrisburg NewsReuters

In response to the allegations, The Hershey Company has maintained that its Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are still made with fresh-roasted peanuts and milk chocolate. Hershey's representatives emphasized that while the company has made adjustments to accommodate new product shapes and sizes, the essence of Reese’s—“the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter”—remains unchanged. During a February 2025 earnings call, Hershey’s Chief Financial Officer Steve Voskuil stated, “There’s been no consumer impact whatsoever,” reinforcing the company's position that ingredient changes have not compromised product quality.

The Patriot-NewsWHP - Harrisburg NewsHershey blasted by Reese’s family over core ingredient changesReuters

The controversy arises amid broader industry trends where many chocolate manufacturers have reformulated products in response to rising cocoa prices, which peaked at over $12,000 per metric ton in late 2024. This economic pressure has led some companies to substitute cocoa butter with less expensive fats, prompting concerns about product authenticity. Brad Reese asserts that the changes to Reese’s are not merely a response to supply chain issues but rather a significant shift in brand governance that threatens the legacy of the Reese family.

Reuters

Brad Reese's criticisms highlight a tension between cost efficiency and maintaining product integrity. He fears that the ongoing changes could alienate loyal consumers and damage Hershey's long-term brand reputation. “Reese’s is so well loved, but that can turn in a heartbeat,” he cautioned, expressing his disappointment and frustration over the perceived degradation of the product. This public dissent from a family member of the brand's founder raises questions about Hershey's commitment to transparency and authenticity in its marketing narrative.

Hershey blasted by Reese’s family over core ingredient changes

As the debate continues, the implications for Hershey's brand strategy are significant. The company must navigate consumer perceptions while addressing the concerns raised by Brad Reese. The ongoing scrutiny may prompt Hershey to clarify its ingredient sourcing and formulation practices to reassure consumers about the quality of its flagship products.

Hershey blasted by Reese’s family over core ingredient changes

• “Todd, as someone who has spent his career shaping narratives, elevating reputations and stewarding brand meaning, you understand better than most that a story only works when it is anchored in truth.” — Brad Reese, Grandson of H.B. Reese

Hershey blasted by Reese’s family over core ingredient changes

• “there’s been no consumer impact whatsoever.” — Steve Voskuil, CFO of The Hershey Company

The Patriot-News

• “But today, Reese's identity is being rewritten, not by storytellers, but by formulation decisions that replace milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut-butter-style crèmes across multiple Reese's products.” — Brad Reese, Grandson of H.B. Reese

Reuters

• “As we've grown and expanded the Reese's product line, we make product recipe adjustments that allow us to make new shapes, sizes and innovations that Reese's fans have come to love and ask for, while always protecting the essence of what makes Reese's unique and special: the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter.” — The Hershey Company Statement

Reuters

This ongoing dialogue between the Reese family and The Hershey Company underscores the complexities of brand heritage in a changing market landscape.

Hershey blasted by Reese’s family over core ingredient changes