S3 Episode 7: The REESE’S Controversy with Brad Reese

Link to episode:

Featured Guest:

Brad Reese
Grandson of H.B. Reese (inventor of REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups) and self-described protector of REESE’S brand integrity.

For generations, a bite of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup meant one thing:

Milk chocolate. Real peanut butter. That unmistakable taste. Now, many loyal fans say something is different.

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Reese, grandson of H. B. Reese and self-described “Protector of Reese’s Brand Integrity,” to unpack a controversy that has caught the world’s attention.

Brad and others are upset about the current quality of Reese’s products under Hershey’s control, pointing to a shift in taste and either proven or alleged ingredient swaps. 

Emotions are high – people love Reese’s. They want real answers.

This isn’t just about candy.

It’s about trust, heritage, and a beloved company at a cultural tension point with its best customers.

What Sparked the Controversy?

Brad published an open letter to Hershey’s on LinkedIn calling out what he and many consumers observed:

• Certain varieties no longer list milk chocolate
• Some now use “chocolate candy,” “chocolatey coating,” or compound coating
• Peanut butter replaced in some products with “peanut butter creme”
• Ingredient changes implemented quietly, without announcement

While The Hershey Company has publicly stated that core ingredients have not changed, consumers began comparing labels and conducting side-by-side taste tests online.

The consumer pushback and Hershey’s response quickly went viral, drawing attention from major media outlets and even commentary from MrBeast while promoting his own line of Feastibles.

A Powerful Quote from Brad

“They’re stooping for pennies and passing up dollars.”

Links:
Website – wefixeditpod.com

Follow us on:
Instagram/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube/@wefixeditpod

If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.