Has Reese's Actually Changed Its Recipe?

Bon Appétit

by Sam Stone

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have long been a beloved treat, but recent rumors about a recipe change have sparked widespread debate among fans. Many claim the candy now tastes worse than before, with Reddit users theorizing that Hershey's altered the formula. Brad Reese, grandson of the inventor, even penned a scathing LinkedIn post accusing the company of replacing milk chocolate with cheaper alternatives. While Hershey’s defends their changes as necessary for innovation and variety, fans remain skeptical, seeing this as another example of declining quality in food products—a trend noted by some as “enshittification.” The controversy highlights how deeply consumers connect with familiar foods and their frustration when beloved brands alter their recipes. In other food news, the long-standing debate over boneless chicken wings finally reached a humorous conclusion. A legal case against Buffalo Wild Wings argued that boneless “wings” are merely chicken nuggets and not true wings. The judge dismissed the claim with a playful dad joke, calling the complaint “without meat.” While legally they qualify as wings, the case raises questions about how food is marketed and categorized, reflecting broader consumer confusion about what constitutes authentic food products. Meanwhile, Grana Padano cheese has taken a page from the entertainment industry by hiring a talent agency to boost its profile. During the Milano-Cortina Olympics, the cheese consortium spent millions on billboards and giveaways, positioning it as the next big star in the culinary world. This marketing stunt underscores the growing trend of branding food products like celebrities, appealing to consumers who seek unique and elevated dining experiences. These stories matter to food enthusiasts because they highlight how food is evolving as both a product and a cultural symbol. From nostalgic cravings for old recipes to legal disputes over definitions and the rise of food-as-entertainment marketing, these trends reflect broader shifts in how we perceive and consume food. For readers passionate about culinary traditions, innovation, and the stories behind their favorite foods,

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Originally published on Bon Appétit on 2/20/2026