Hershey will return to its classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes for all Reese’s products beginning in 2027, the company announced.
The change affects roughly 3% of Reese’s lineup that had used a lower-chocolate coating. Core products, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, have always used the original recipes and will remain unchanged.
The decision follows public criticism from Brad Reese, grandson of H.B. Reese, who invented the peanut butter cup in 1928. Hershey confirmed the shift during its 2026 Investor Day on March 31.
Stacy Taffet, chief growth officer for The Hershey Company, said the company is “ensuring that all Hershey’s and Reese’s offerings are consistent with their brand’s classic milk and dark chocolate recipes.”
Hershey emphasized that the vast majority of its Reese’s products were never altered. The company said the move is part of broader efforts that include enhancing Kit Kat recipes for a “creamier chocolate” and transitioning to natural colors in its sweets portfolio.
The announcement drew immediate attention from candy fans and industry observers. Reese’s remains one of America’s best-selling candy brands, with the peanut butter cup consistently ranking among the top individual candies sold each year.
Hershey did not disclose which specific products were affected by the change or the financial impact of reverting to the more expensive classic recipes. Cocoa prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years, reaching record highs in 2024 before easing in 2025 and early 2026.
The company said it will begin implementing the classic recipes across the remaining Reese’s items next year.
