
Brad Reese blasts Hershey for changing iconic candy recipe
Brad Reese blasts Hershey for changing iconic candy recipe
- Brad Reese tasted a Valentine’s Day limited-edition candy and found it unsatisfactory, leading him to inspect the ingredients.
- Reese discovered significant alterations, including the absence of milk chocolate and use of a chocolate-flavored coating instead.
- He believes these changes undermine the legacy of the original candy and calls for customers to be mindful of what they purchase.
Story
In the United States, Brad Reese, the grandson of the creator of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, has expressed concern over recipe changes made to some of Hershey’s products, which he claims diminish his grandfather's legacy. Recently, after trying the Valentine's Day Reese's Mini Hearts, he described the experience as disappointing, noting that the candies lacked the expected milk chocolate flavor. Upon reviewing the ingredients, Reese was alarmed to find that they contained a chocolate-flavored coating instead of genuine milk chocolate. He points out that this change suggests a departure from the product's original identity faithful to H. B. Reese's formula established in 1928. This transformation has led him to speak out aggressively against Hershey, urging consumers to be vigilant regarding ingredient labels, specifically looking for authentic milk chocolate and peanut butter. He argues this recipe alteration risks eroding the trust that consumers have developed with Reese's over the decades. Furthermore, Reese's letter to the Hershey Company highlights his desire to preserve the legacy of his grandfather’s invention, which he adamantly feels has not been appropriately honored in current products. Despite the backlash, a spokesperson for Hershey maintains that the classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have not changed in their recipe and continue to be made in the traditional fashion. However, they acknowledge that some seasonal products, like the Valentine's treats, have differed in formulation. These adjustments were partly driven by increasing cocoa prices, prompting companies to seek alternatives that maintain product viability while addressing consumer demands for variety. Nevertheless, Reese remains devoted to advocating for the original recipe despite Hershey’s claims, feeling that any deviation threatens the trust established with countless consumers who have cherished Reese's for generations.