Grandson of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup inventor accuses Hershey of "quietly replacing" ingredients

February 19, 2026

TL;DR

Brad Reese accuses Hershey of replacing milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut butter-style crème in various Reese's products.
He believes these changes compromise the integrity and consumer trust built by his grandfather, H.B. Reese.
Hershey states that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are made the same way they always have been and that recipe adjustments are for innovation and new product lines.
Brad Reese cites examples like Reese's Mini Hearts, Take5, Fast Break bars, and White Reese's as products with altered ingredients.
He points to differing ingredient descriptions for Reese's sold in Europe and notes that Hershey's CFO previously mentioned formula changes without adverse consumer impact.
The FDA has strict standards for labeling products as 'milk chocolate'.

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