Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins Get New Packaging After Lawsuit
The packaging for the beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins has been refreshed following a legal dispute. The updated wrappers now display a disclaimer stating, “Carving not on actual product,” replacing the previous wording of “Decorating Suggestion,” according to reports.
Interestingly, while the packaging showcases a fun Jack-O-Lantern face, the actual candy doesn’t have that design. This creative discrepancy is what sparked some controversy.
The changes came after Hershey successfully dismissed a proposed class-action lawsuit that involved two consumers from Florida. These consumers claimed they felt misled because the pumpkins they purchased lacked the decorative carvings depicted on the packaging.
However, U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian ruled that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing in the case. She pointed out that even if their claims were accepted as true, their only real issue seemed to be that they were disappointed rather than that they received a defective product.
As the judge stated, “Accepting plaintiffs’ allegations as true, it is clear that their only injury is their subjective disappointment.” She emphasized that they didn’t claim the candies were worthless or had lost their economic value due to the absence of those carvings.
The plaintiffs sought $5 million, arguing that Hershey’s marketing violated consumer protection laws. However, Hershey countered that reasonable consumers should have recognized the images on the packaging as suggestions rather than exact representations. They maintained that customers received exactly what they paid for: non-defective Reese’s candy.
Despite the legal issues, reviews for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins on Hershey’s website remain overwhelmingly positive. One customer expressed their love for the seasonal candy, stating, “Reese’s always knows how to do seasonal candy right!” Another reviewer mentioned, “These are addicting! I love these so much! They are so yummy; I look forward to the pumpkins every year.”
Interestingly enough, while these Peanut Butter Pumpkins are a seasonal favorite, the top Halloween candy in America remains the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, according to recent reports.
