HERSHEY, Pa. (Diya TV) — The Hershey Company says it will return to using classic milk and dark chocolate recipes across its iconic candy brands by 2027. The move follows public criticism from a descendant of Reese’s founder and growing concern from loyal fans. The announcement has sparked debate about product quality, brand trust, and the future of some of America’s most popular sweets.

Hershey executives said the company plans to replace chocolate-flavored compound coatings with real milk and dark chocolate in select products. The change will affect a small portion of its lineup, including some Reese’s spinoff items. Company CEO Michele Buck Tanner said the goal is to bring consistency across the brand. She noted that consumers expect the same taste across all products.

“We’re making small investments to align the portfolio with what the brand stands for,” Tanner said in a recent interview. Hershey also plans to remove artificial colors from its products by the end of next year. The company says these steps will improve quality and meet consumer expectations.

Brad Reese, the grandson of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups inventor H.B. Reese, has been vocal about the issue. He accused Hershey of drifting away from the original recipe. Reese said he believes the company is responding to public pressure rather than acting on its own.

“If this is true, the people who deserve credit are the loyal fans,” Reese told NBC News. “But I see red flags.”He added that he trusts his own taste more than corporate messaging. He plans to judge the changes based on future products.“If the candies still don’t taste like real milk chocolate next year, I’ll know they’re not telling the truth,” he said.

Hershey has long said that its core products, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, still use the original formula. That formula combines milk chocolate and peanut butter, unchanged since 1928. However, the company admitted it modified some newer or seasonal products. These include items like Reese’s Mini Hearts and Mini Eggs. Some of these products use chocolate compound coatings instead of real chocolate.

Compound coatings cost less and last longer on shelves. But many consumers say they do not taste the same. Reese’s Pieces, introduced in 1978, also do not contain milk chocolate. These candies gained popularity after appearing in the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”

Brad Reese brought attention to the issue earlier this year. He posted a letter on LinkedIn criticizing Hershey’s product changes. The post quickly went viral. In the letter, Reese referenced his grandfather’s original vision. He said the brand was built on a simple formula: milk chocolate and peanut butter.

He argued that Hershey replaced that formula in several products with lower-quality ingredients. His message resonated with many consumers who shared similar concerns.

Hershey maintains that its flagship products have not changed. The company says Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and classic Hershey’s chocolate bars still use traditional recipes.

At the same time, Hershey acknowledged that it experimented with ingredients in some newer products. The company says the upcoming changes will restore consistency without affecting most items. Hershey estimates that less than 3% of Reese’s products will be affected by the shift. Only a small portion of its overall portfolio will see changes.

The controversy highlights a larger issue in the food industry. Consumers want transparency and quality. They also expect brands to stay true to their roots.

Hershey appears to be responding to those expectations. By returning to real chocolate and removing artificial colors, the company aims to rebuild trust. Still, some critics remain skeptical. Brad Reese said he believes the timing raises questions.

“You know when this became an issue?” he said. “Valentine’s Day.”

Hershey plans to roll out these changes over the next few years. The company says it will complete the transition by 2027.