Hershey to Return All Reese’s Products to "Classic Recipe" Following Public Backlash from Inventor’s Grandson

Following a public backlash from the inventor's grandson, Hershey announces it will return all Reese's products to their original chocolate and peanut butter formulas by 2027.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 8:06 AM EDT

Source: People

The "Inedible" Valentine's Day Catalyst

The controversy gained national traction after Brad Reese, 70, published a scathing letter on LinkedIn addressed to Hershey’s corporate brand manager on February 14, 2026. The grandson of H.B. Reese claimed he had to throw away a bag of Reese's Mini Hearts because the new formula—which utilized a chocolate candy coating rather than real milk chocolate—was "not edible." He accused the confectionery giant of quietly replacing the "enduring architecture" of real chocolate and peanut butter with cheaper, cost-cutting ingredients that betrayed the brand's 100-year history.

A 2027 Return to Tradition

Hershey’s plan involves a multi-year transition to ensure that the remaining 3% of the Reese's portfolio that currently uses alternative coatings—such as mini Easter eggs and certain foil-wrapped seasonal items—returns to "classic milk and dark chocolate" formulas. Additionally, the company will:

Increase R&D Funding: A 25% boost in research and development spending is planned for 2027 to align products with their original identities.

Transition to Natural Colors: The company will phase out artificial coloring across its sweets portfolio by late 2027.