The Grandson of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Inventor Says the Candy Is Now ‘Not Edible.’ He Blames Hershey.

Entrepreneur

by Jonathan Small

February 19, 2026

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Brad Reese, the grandson of H.B. Reese—the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups—has spoken out against Hershey, accusing the company of cutting corners by replacing key ingredients in its products. In a recent open letter, Reese claimed that Hershey has substituted milk chocolate with cheaper “compound coatings” and replaced peanut butter with “peanut crème” in items like Take5 bars and European versions of Reese’s candies. He even discarded a bag of Reese’s Mini Hearts, deeming them “not edible,” and shared his concerns with the Associated Press. Hershey has pushed back against these allegations, insisting that the original recipe for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups remains unchanged. However, the company admits to making adjustments for new product shapes and sizes, which they say necessitated ingredient modifications. High global cocoa prices have reportedly led Hershey to reduce chocolate usage in some products, while others now feature less traditional ingredients like peanut butter crème. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly defines what can be labeled as “milk chocolate,” requiring it to contain specific percentages of milk fat and other ingredients. By using terms like “chocolate candy” or “peanut butter crème,” companies can bypass these regulations, allowing them to market products with altered formulations without violating labeling laws. For startups and small businesses in the food industry, this controversy highlights the importance of ingredient transparency and quality control. Consumers are increasingly attuned to what they’re eating, and brands that prioritize cost-cutting over product integrity risk damaging their reputation. As Reese’s case shows, even iconic products can face backlash when consumers feel misled about their favorite treats.

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Originally published on Entrepreneur on 2/19/2026