Hershey announced it will return to classic recipes for all Reese’s products starting in 2027, following criticism over the use of alternative ingredients in some items, The Associated Press reported.
The decision follows public criticism from Brad Reese, grandson of H.B. Reese, who founded Reese’s in 1919 and created Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928. Earlier this year, Reese raised concerns about changes to the brand’s ingredients by Hershey, which acquired his grandfather’s business in 1963.
Hershey acknowledged modifying some recipes but said the adjustments were part of efforts to respond to evolving consumer preferences. The company also noted that rising cocoa prices have influenced experimentation with reduced chocolate content across the industry.
In addition to restoring Reese’s recipes, Hershey plans broader updates to its product lineup, including switching to natural colors and refining KitKat’s formula to improve texture. The company also intends to increase its research and development spending by 25% next year.
