Hershey to Revert to Classic Chocolate Recipe Amid Backlash

Hershey has decided to return all its products to the “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipe” after receiving significant criticism, particularly from the grandson of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups inventor.

That said, many customers might not even notice these changes. By 2027, less than 3% of leased products and under 1% of Hershey’s total portfolio will be affected, which seems pretty minimal.

The company clarified that the original Hershey’s chocolate bar and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups already use real chocolate and won’t see any changes. Instead, adjustments will involve certain items like Reese’s Fast Break bars, mini cups, and special shapes.

The decision to change ingredients was announced following a review by CEO Kirk Tanner and his new management team, which was put into place well before Brad Reese began criticizing the company.

“When I joined the company, we did a thorough review of our entire portfolio,” Tanner told Bloomberg. “We’re going to make some small investments to really align our portfolio with what the brand stands for.”

Brad Reese’s campaign, which has gone viral, accused Hershey of replacing real chocolate with a cheaper composite coating made from vegetable oil. He also alleged the company was surreptitiously using peanut butter-flavored cream instead of actual peanut butter.

“We can’t let things go on like this,” Reese expressed to the Post in February. “They’re lowering the quality of the ingredients, charging the same prices, and possibly reducing the size of the product. As a member of the Reese family, I’m really embarrassed.”

On Wednesday, Reese maintained that Hershey’s announcement didn’t go far enough, implying that his public comments had ignited a family feud.

“I don’t trust them. I don’t believe them for a second,” he emphasized in an interview. “They’re going to try to squeeze out as much of this compound that they’re using as possible.”

He remarked that it isn’t true they’re only affecting 3% of the portfolio, suggesting the company is downplaying the situation.

In response, Hershey stated that its investment in research and development has increased by 25%, emphasizing its commitment to crafting products that consumers love, which necessitates ongoing recipe adjustments to meet changing preferences.

During a recent investor conference, the company revealed it is also working on reimagining the Kit Kat recipe to make it “creamier.” They assured that Kit Kat products will keep real milk and dark chocolate.

Additionally, Hershey announced plans to eliminate all artificial dyes from its products by the end of 2027. This move follows similar decisions from brands like Nestlé and Kraft Heinz, prompted by requests from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Tanner noted that Hershey’s colorful candies, such as Reese’s Pieces and Jolly Ranchers, will still maintain their brightness using natural dyes.