Hershey Reformulates Reese’s Pieces to Be Dairy-Free, but Not Vegan

In a recent move that has sparked significant consumer interest, Hershey's has confirmed that their famous Reese’s Pieces candies have been reformulated to remove milk from the ingredients, making them dairy-free. This change, hailed by many as a milestone, was officially communicated in a note to Go Dairy Free readers: "The recipe for Reese’s Pieces Candy has been reformulated and no longer contains milk." The reformulation involves the removal of dextrose and milk, without the addition of any new ingredients, aligning with consumer expectations as updated packages begin to surface in stores. However, the transition has proven a bit uneven, with older inventory and packaging still circulating on the market.

Hershey advises consumers to check product labels for the most up-to-date information. Despite these changes, Reese’s Pieces remain non-vegan due to the inclusion of confectioner’s glaze, an industrial term frequently referring to shellac—a food-grade coating derived from insects. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s call for food companies to eliminate artificial color additives meets partial adherence, as dyes such as Yellow 5 Lake and Red 40 Lake remain in the formula. While Reese's Pieces are now accessible to dairy avoidant consumers, vegan seekers still have alternatives like Plant‑Based Peanut Butter Cups that use an oat chocolate coating and cater to vegan dietary preferences.