Reese’s Recipe Dispute: Grandson Challenges Hershey’s Ingredient Choices

Brad Reese, grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, has turn into a vocal critic of The Hershey Company, alleging the brand has quietly altered its core ingredients, potentially impacting consumer trust and the legacy of the iconic candy.

A Family Legacy Under Scrutiny

Brad Reese, 70, has publicly accused Hershey of replacing milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut butter-style crème across various Reese’s products. His concerns stem from a fear that these changes erode the quality and integrity his grandfather, H.B. Reese, established when he founded the company in 1919 [CBS News].

H.B. Reese initially worked at Hershey before starting his own candy company, eventually inventing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928 in the basement of his Hershey, Pennsylvania home [CBS News]. The company was later sold to Hershey in 1963 [CBS News].

Viral Accusations and Hershey’s Response

Reese shared an open letter addressed to Hershey’s corporate brand manager, Todd Scott, on LinkedIn on February 14, 2026, accusing the company of prioritizing cost-cutting over quality [USA Today]. The post gained significant traction after being amplified by YouTube star MrBeast.

Hershey maintains that the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups recipe remains unchanged. However, the company acknowledges making “product recipe adjustments” for certain products to facilitate new shapes, sizes, and innovations [USA Today] and [AP News].

Beyond Ingredients: Reese’s Vision for the Brand

Reese’s concerns extend beyond ingredient quality. He has publicly suggested ideas for expanding the Reese’s brand, including a collaboration with General Mills to promote Reese’s Puffs cereal, the launch of a Reese’s-branded credit card, and increased advertising investment in Europe [AP News].

Impact on Brand Trust

Reese fears that any deviation from the original ingredients could damage consumer trust in the Reese’s brand, a legacy his grandfather built on “real ingredients and real integrity” [CBS News]. He even stated he recently discarded a bag of Reese’s Mini Hearts, finding them “not edible” [National Today].

The dispute highlights the challenges faced by large food companies in balancing innovation with maintaining the quality and reputation of established brands.