Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to return to classic chocolate recipe following public backlash

The Hershey Company says it will return all Reese's Peanut Butter Cups products to their classic recipes, following criticism over the use of cheaper ingredients.

The company confirmed on Wednesday that products using reduced-chocolate coatings, such as some seasonal items, will be switched back to traditional recipes by 2027.

Reese’s products have historically been made with milk or dark chocolate and peanut butter.

Hershey said the changes will restore its “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes” across the full range.

The move comes after Brad Reese, grandson of brand founder H.B. Reese, publicly criticised the company.

In a letter shared on LinkedIn, he questioned the brand’s direction.

"How does The Hershey Co. continue to position Reese's as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust, quality and leadership, while quietly replacing the very ingredients (Milk Chocolate + Peanut Butter) that built Reese's trust in the first place?" Reese wrote, according to the Associated Press.

Hershey acknowledged that some recipe adjustments had been made, citing rising cocoa prices and changing consumer demand.

In a statement, the company said: "Hershey is committed to making products consumers love and that means continually reviewing our recipes to meet evolving tastes and preferences."

Alongside the changes, Hershey plans to invest more in research and development and introduce natural colours across its product range.