Hershey is reverting to the original recipe for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups after the brand founder’s grandson blasted the company last month

(SeaPRwire) –   Hershey announced on Wednesday that it will revert to its classic recipes for all Reese’s products beginning next year. This decision follows criticism from the grandson of the founder of Reese’s, who accused the company of using cheaper ingredients.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have traditionally been made with real milk chocolate or dark chocolate and peanut butter. However, a portion of Hershey’s and Reese’s products, such as mini Easter eggs, have recently been produced with a coating containing less chocolate.

Hershey stated that by 2027, these specific products will be transitioned back to their “classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes.”

The company, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, also indicated that other changes to its confectionery offerings are planned for next year. These include adopting natural colors and improving the Kit-Kat recipe for a creamier texture. Hershey intends to increase its research and development funding by 25% in the upcoming year.

In a statement, the company said, “Hershey is committed to making products consumers love and that means continually reviewing our recipes to meet evolving tastes and preferences.”

The controversy was brought to light by Brad Reese, grandson of the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, in a public letter he sent to Hershey’s corporate brand manager on Valentine’s Day.

Reese questioned in the letter, which he shared on his LinkedIn profile, “How does The Hershey Co. continue to position Reese’s as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust, quality and leadership, while quietly replacing the very ingredients (Milk Chocolate + Peanut Butter) that built Reese’s trust in the first place?”

Hershey acknowledged some recipe modifications, explaining that they were an effort to meet consumer demand for innovation. Additionally, rising cocoa prices have prompted Hershey and other manufacturers to explore using less chocolate in recent years.

The Associated Press reached out to Brad Reese on Wednesday for comment.

Brad Reese is the grandson of H.B. Reese, who worked at Hershey for two years before establishing his own candy company in 1919. H.B. Reese created Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928, and his six sons later sold the family business to Hershey in 1963.