Reese’s Pieces go dairy-free: Hershey unveils new formula

USA – The Hershey Company, a confectionery manufacturer, has reformulated one of its most iconic treats, Reese’s Pieces, removing milk from the ingredient list.

The change comes amid growing consumer demand for more inclusive and allergen-friendly products. By eliminating milk, Hershey has made Reese’s Pieces accessible to a broader audience, including those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, and individuals following plant-based diets.

“We appreciate your interest in our product and would like to share that the recipe for Reese’s Pieces Candy has been reformulated and no longer contains milk,” the company stated.

While the company has not explicitly labelled the new formula as vegan, the absence of milk marks a notable step toward accommodating evolving dietary preferences.

Packaging updates reflect the reformulation, with ingredient lists now omitting milk and allergen warnings adjusted accordingly.

However, the company has maintained the signature flavor profile that consumers recognize—sweet, salty, and satisfyingly crunchy. Early reactions from consumers suggest that the taste remains remarkably consistent, despite the absence of dairy.

In 2023, the company debuted two plant-based chocolate bars to the market, marking a permanent entry into the ever-growing global vegan chocolate market projected to have a reach of US$4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 15.5%.

The Pennsylvania-based company has introduced an oat-milk version of its popular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and a new oat-milk chocolate bar with sea salt and almonds.

The launch follows the company’s application for a patent for using roasted grains including corn, oats, millet, rice, sorghum, or wheat, in its vegan chocolate products as a replacement for dairy.

Hershey said that nut and seed oils, commonly used in dairy-free chocolate, produce an inferior end product and that it is engaged in R&D to make allergen-free recipes that are healthier than conventional chocolate.

It has been a challenge for businesses venturing into producing vegan formats of popular candies to find the right ingredients and processes to make a candy that adequately mimics milk chocolate in taste, texture, and mouthfeel.

However, according to the chocolate manufacturer, its specially milled and roasted flours can replicate the authentic mouthfeel and texture of conventional chocolate.

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