Hershey to Restore Classic Reese's Recipe in 2027 Following Public Backlash
Hershey, Monday, 6 April 2026.
Sparked by the founder’s grandson exposing the use of cheaper ingredients, Hershey will revert select Reese’s candies back to their classic, authentic chocolate recipes by 2027.
A Sweet Reversal Triggered by Family Backlash
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) confirmed during its 2026 Investor Day on March 31, and in subsequent statements in early April, that it will transition a small portion of its Reese’s product line back to classic milk and dark chocolate recipes [2][3]. The reversal, slated to take effect in 2027, specifically targets items like mini Easter eggs that had been formulated with coatings containing less real chocolate [1][4]. While the vast majority of Reese’s items, including the flagship Peanut Butter Cups, have retained their original recipes, this formulation shift affects approximately 3% of the brand’s select offerings [3].
Corporate Strategy Amidst Commodity Pressures
The decision to alter ingredients in recent years was heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors, most notably the surging costs of raw commodities [GPT]. High cocoa prices forced Hershey and competing snack manufacturers to experiment with alternative ingredients to protect profit margins [1][4]. These formulation adjustments coincided with a leadership transition, as Kirk Tanner assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Hershey in August 2025 [2][3]. Beyond the Reese’s brand, Hershey’s Chief Growth Officer, Stacy Taffet, indicated that the company is undertaking broader portfolio refinements [2][3]. By 2027, the firm plans to transition its sweets portfolio to colors derived from natural sources and enhance the Kit Kat recipe to feature a creamier chocolate profile [1][2].
A Divided Dynasty and Market Optics
The controversy has also exposed a rift within the Reese family itself. On April 2, 2026, The Hershey Company distributed a statement credited to Rebecca Hilgers, a granddaughter of H.B. Reese, purportedly representing over 50 family members [2][3]. The statement expressed continued respect for Hershey’s management and explicitly distanced the family from Brad Reese’s criticisms, stating his opinions “are entirely his own” [2][3]. However, the family consensus is far from uniform. Andrew Reese, Brad’s brother, publicly supported the critique, pointing out that the broader Reese family comprises more than 180 living members, meaning Hilgers’ statement represents a minimum of 27.778 percent of the direct lineage [3].