The Sweet Taste of Integrity: A Reese's Family Member Questions Hershey's Ingredient Changes

The Deterioration of a Legacy

In a provocative claim that has sent ripples through the candy world, Brad Reese—the grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of the iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups—has publicly admonished The Hershey Co. for allegedly "quietly replacing" key ingredients in their flagship candy. He reveals that Hershey has swapped out traditional milk chocolate for compound coatings and altered the genuine peanut butter for a cheaper peanut butter-style crème. This move, he argues, not only jeopardizes the quality of the product but also threatens the very trust that the Reese brand is built upon.

"How does The Hershey Company continue to position Reese's as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust and quality, while quietly replacing the very ingredients that built Reese's trust in the first place?"

These words come from a LinkedIn post Brad shared on February 14, 2026, where he addressed an open letter to Hershey's corporate brand manager. The underlying question he poses is crucial: Can a brand maintain its identity while indulging in cost-cutting measures?

A Brief History of Trust

For some context, it's fundamental to understand the legacy that Brad Reese is fighting to protect. H.B. Reese created the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in 1928 after notably working for Hershey for two years but deciding to forge his own path. In 1963, his sons sold the company to Hershey, integrating this beloved candy into one of the biggest brands in the confectionery world. As Brad notes, his grandfather built the Reese's reputation on real ingredients and integrity.

The Hershey Response

In response to the criticisms, Hershey has issued a statement letting the public know that while product recipe adjustments may occur from time to time, the core ingredients of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups remain unchanged. The company emphasized:

"As we've grown and expanded the Reese's product line, we make product recipe adjustments that allow us to develop new shapes, sizes, and innovations, all while protecting the essence that makes Reese's unique."

I find it interesting that, while Hershey maintains its refining tactics, it says nothing about the emotional connection consumers have with these products. Elevated cocoa prices have put pressure on candy manufacturers, leading many, including Hershey, to explore alternative ingredients. Although cocoa prices have recently declined, retail prices for candy tend to lag behind, creating a predictable frustration among consumers.

The Dangers of Mediocrity

Brad Reese takes this debate personal. He recently discarded a bag of Reese's Mini Hearts, which claimed to be made from "chocolate candy and peanut butter crème." The distinction matters, as he insists these items lack the quality that once characterized the Reese name, and his sentiment resonates with many:

"It was not edible... This is very devastating for me."

This isn't just anecdotal; as we've seen in other brands' stories, consumer sentiment is a powerful driver. If the taste diminishes, even the syrupy nostalgia tied to childhood treats can fade with it. Brad further argues that Hershey is straying away from their founder Milton Hershey's motto: "Give them quality, that's the best advertising."

Regulatory Underpinnings

It's also crucial to highlight the strict requirements set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for labeling chocolate. For a product to be classified as milk chocolate, it must contain specific percentages of chocolate liquor, milk solids, and fat. However, companies can circumvent these rules with clever wording. For instance, Hershey utilizes terms like "chocolate candy" on some labels, which can obscure the true nature of what's inside.

Broader Implications for the Market

The conversation instigated by Brad Reese has notable implications beyond just peanut butter cups. If consumers begin to lose trust in brands that manipulate core ingredients, it poses a question of ethics and accountability. How far can businesses go in their quest for profit at the cost of quality?

As economic pressures mount, brands need to not only innovate but also maintain a steadfast commitment to quality, especially in legacy products that have significant emotional value to consumers. The candy landscape is shifting, and those who disregard consumer trust might soon find themselves at a disadvantage.

In conclusion, while innovation and cost efficiency are essential in today's market, they must not come at the expense of the integrity that brands like Reese's have worked so diligently to establish. As we move forward, it's essential to keep in mind that every decision a company makes can impact not just its bottom line, but the very essence of its brand identity.

What Lies Ahead?

Looking to the future, I urge both consumers and companies to remain vigilant. The pressure to reduce costs will continue, but consumers have the ultimate power: their wallets. It is crucial to advocate for authenticity in our favorite products and ensure that the brands we grew up loving remain true to their roots.