The original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are one of America's most popular candies, but for anyone following a vegan lifestyle, the answer to 'can vegans eat Reese's?' is a little complicated. The short answer is that the classic cups are not vegan, but the Hershey Company has recently created a plant-based alternative. Understanding the specific ingredients and knowing what to look for will help you navigate the candy aisle with confidence.
The Verdict on Original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
The reason classic Reese's are not vegan is simple: they are coated in milk chocolate. A quick scan of the ingredient list for original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups confirms the presence of several milk-derived components. Key non-vegan ingredients include:
- Nonfat milk: A common dairy ingredient found in milk chocolate.
- Milkfat: The fatty part of milk, which adds to the creamy texture.
- Lactose: A sugar naturally found in milk.
- Whey: A byproduct of cheesemaking, often listed as "reduced protein whey (milk)".
These ingredients make the standard milk chocolate Reese's unsuitable for a vegan diet. It is also important to remember that even the dark chocolate versions of Reese's cups are not vegan, as they also contain dairy.
What about Reese's Pieces?
For many years, Reese's Pieces were also non-vegan due to the inclusion of milk ingredients and a confectioner's glaze. The confectioner's glaze is derived from lac insects, which most vegans consider an animal product. In August 2025, Hershey's announced a reformulation of Reese's Pieces to be dairy-free, but they still contain the insect-based glaze. This means Reese's Pieces, despite being dairy-free, are still not suitable for vegans.
The New Vegan Option: Reese's Plant Based
Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based alternatives, Hershey's released Reese's Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups in 2023. These cups are a game-changer for vegan candy lovers, as they replace the traditional milk chocolate with an oat-based chocolate confection. This gives the cups a creamy texture that is remarkably similar to the original, without any animal products. The package is clearly marked with a green vegan logo, making it easy to identify on store shelves. Always double-check the packaging to ensure you're picking up the correct, certified plant-based version.
Navigating the Candy Aisle: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Reese's
To ensure you are purchasing the correct product, it's essential to understand the packaging differences. Here are a few tips:
- Look for the green label: The plant-based Reese's feature a specific green banner and vegan logo on the front of the package.
- Read the ingredients: The plant-based version will list "oat chocolate" or similar phrasing, whereas the classic and dark chocolate varieties will list milk, milkfat, or whey.
- Be aware of cross-contamination: While the plant-based version contains no animal ingredients, it may be manufactured in a facility that also processes milk products. If severe allergies are a concern, some individuals prefer to seek out products made in dedicated vegan facilities.
Comparison of Peanut Butter Cup Options
| Product | Vegan Status | Key Features | Contains Dairy? | Contains Confectioner's Glaze? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reese's Original | No | Iconic milk chocolate and peanut butter | Yes | No |
| Reese's Dark Chocolate | No | Dark chocolate coating, but still dairy | Yes | No |
| Reese's Pieces | No | Crunchy peanut butter candy shell | No (as of 2025) | Yes |
| Reese's Plant Based | Yes | Oat-based chocolate, certified vegan | No | No |
| Justin's Dark Chocolate | Yes | Organic, Rainforest Alliance certified | No | No |
| Unreal Dark Chocolate | Yes | Fair Trade certified, lower in sugar | No | No |
Delicious Vegan Alternatives to Reese's
If you are unable to find the new plant-based Reese's or prefer to support dedicated vegan brands, plenty of delicious alternatives exist:
- Justin's Nut Butter Cups: The dark chocolate versions of Justin's peanut butter and almond butter cups are vegan and widely available.
- Unreal Snacks: This brand offers certified vegan Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups made with fair-trade ingredients.
- Go Max Go Foods: Known for recreating popular candy bars, Go Max Go's "Cleo's Peanut Butter Cups" are creamy, indulgent, and completely dairy-free.
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups: For a healthier, customizable option, making your own vegan peanut butter cups at home is surprisingly easy. You only need a few ingredients like vegan chocolate, peanut butter, and a bit of coconut oil.
Conclusion
While the original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and other varieties like the dark chocolate and Reese's Pieces are not vegan, the landscape has changed significantly. Thanks to the introduction of Reese's Plant Based peanut butter cups, vegans can now enjoy a treat from the classic brand. Always remember to scrutinize the product labels to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs, especially during a product transition period. For more details on the vegan Reese's launch, you can read more from Green Matters breaks down the vegan Hershey's release.
