Do Reese's Cups Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?

According to the ingredient list on a standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, high fructose corn syrup is not a listed ingredient. This may surprise some consumers, as many other candies and processed foods often contain this inexpensive sweetener. Instead, the cups use a combination of sugar and dextrose to achieve their signature sweetness.

Quick Summary

The original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups do not contain high fructose corn syrup, relying instead on other sugars like dextrose. Some related products, like Hershey's syrups or certain Oreo variations, might, so checking labels is crucial. The primary sweetener in Reese's is standard sugar.

Key Points

• No High Fructose Corn Syrup: The classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup uses sugar and dextrose, not high fructose corn syrup.

• Ingredient Label is Key: Always check the specific product's ingredient list, as other related or co-branded items may contain HFCS.

• Distinction from Other Hershey's Products: Some products from the parent company, Hershey's, do contain high fructose corn syrup, leading to potential consumer confusion.

• Sugar is the Main Sweetener: The sweetness in a Reese's cup primarily comes from sugar, which is used in both the milk chocolate and the peanut butter filling.

• HFCS is Common in Other Candies: The general prevalence of HFCS in other processed snacks causes many people to assume it is also in Reese's.

What Sweeteners Are In Standard Reese's Cups?

While many people assume that most mass-produced candies contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), the classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup uses a different sweetener profile. The core ingredients for a standard milk chocolate Reese's include milk chocolate and peanut butter. Diving deeper, the specific sweeteners listed are:

• Sugar: The primary sweetening agent in the milk chocolate and peanut butter filling.
• Dextrose: A form of glucose, this simple sugar is also used in the peanut butter component.

This is a key point of differentiation from many other confections. Dextrose and sugar combine to create the sweet flavor profile without the inclusion of HFCS.

Why the Confusion About High Fructose Corn Syrup?

There are several reasons for the widespread misconception that Reese's products contain HFCS:

• Other Hershey's Products: The parent company, Hershey's, uses high fructose corn syrup in other items, such as some of its syrups and flavorings. Consumers may mistakenly attribute the ingredients of one Hershey's product to another.
• Related Products: When new snack mashups are created, like Oreo Reese's cookies, the new product's ingredients may differ significantly from the original cup. The Oreo Reese's cookie, for instance, has been documented to contain HFCS, which could cause confusion.
• Association with Processed Foods: HFCS is ubiquitous in the American food supply, especially in processed goods and candies. Because Reese's is a mass-produced treat, many people simply assume it contains this common and inexpensive sweetener.

By carefully reading the label on the specific Reese's product you're consuming, you can determine its exact ingredients.

Dextrose vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Sugar

While a standard Reese's cup contains sugar and dextrose, it is helpful to understand the differences between these sweeteners. Table sugar (sucrose), high fructose corn syrup, and dextrose are all simple carbohydrates that provide energy, but they have distinct chemical structures and uses in food production.

Feature	Dextrose	High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Table Sugar (Sucrose)
Composition	A simple sugar (glucose).	A liquid sweetener with a mix of glucose and fructose.	A molecule composed of one glucose and one fructose joined together.
Source	Produced from corn starch.	Derived from corn starch using enzymes.	Extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets.
Sweetness	Mildly sweet compared to sucrose.	Comes in different varieties, with some sweeter than sucrose.	Standard reference for sweetness.
Form	Crystalline or liquid.	Always in liquid form, containing 24% water.	Typically crystalline and granulated.
Use in Reese's	In the peanut butter creme.	Not in standard cups, but found in some related Hershey's syrups.	In both the milk chocolate and peanut butter.

Reading Labels and Identifying Sweeteners

To be certain about the ingredients in any Reese's product, it is essential to check the nutrition and ingredient label on the packaging. Ingredients are listed in order of predominance, so the first few ingredients make up the largest portion of the product.

Here’s a breakdown of how to identify sweeteners:

• Look for 'Sugar': Standard table sugar will simply be listed as 'sugar'.
• Look for 'Dextrose': This will appear as 'dextrose' on the label.
• Look for 'High Fructose Corn Syrup': This will be explicitly stated as 'high fructose corn syrup'.
• Check for Other Sweeteners: Food manufacturers use many different sweeteners. Keeping an eye out for ingredients like corn syrup, corn syrup solids, or fruit juice concentrate is always a good practice.

Conclusion

For those wondering if Reese's Cups have high fructose corn syrup, the answer for the classic milk chocolate version is no. The product achieves its sweet and delicious flavor using sugar and dextrose, not HFCS. However, the use of HFCS in other Hershey's branded products or related co-branded snacks can cause confusion. To be completely sure, always check the ingredients list on the specific package you are purchasing. This practice is the most reliable way to know exactly what is in your food, especially if you are concerned about HFCS or other ingredients.

References

• Amazon.com - REESE'S Milk Chocolate Snack Size Peanut Butter Cups. https://www.amazon.com/REESES-Chocolate-Peanut-Individually-Wrapped/dp/B09JJZ6692
• Hershey's Chocolate World - REESE'S Stuff Your Cup Ingredients. https://www.chocolateworld.com/things-to-do/reeses-stuff-your-cup-ingredients.html
• Amazon.com - OREO REESE'S Peanut Buttery Creme Chocolate Sandwich. https://www.amazon.com/Buttery-Chocolate-Sandwich-Cookies-Limited/dp/B0DV7HWK7Q

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between high fructose corn syrup and regular corn syrup?

Regular corn syrup is almost entirely glucose. High fructose corn syrup is made by treating corn syrup with enzymes to convert some of the glucose into fructose, making it sweeter.

Does Reese's use genetically modified ingredients?

According to the EWG, standard Reese's products contain ingredients that may be genetically engineered, such as certain sugars and soy lecithin.

Why is high fructose corn syrup used in so many foods?

High fructose corn syrup is often cheaper to produce than sugar, and its liquid form makes it easier for manufacturers to use in production.

Are Reese's Pieces high fructose corn syrup free?

No, Reese's Pieces are listed with corn syrup and modified cornstarch in their ingredients. Therefore, they are not high fructose corn syrup free.

Is Reese's candy gluten-free?

Standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are typically gluten-free, but ingredients can change and cross-contamination is possible. Always check the packaging for the most current information.

Is HFCS worse for you than regular sugar?

Most research indicates that, in moderate consumption, HFCS and table sugar are metabolized similarly by the body. Both are harmful when consumed in excess.

What are the core ingredients in a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup?

The core ingredients include milk chocolate (made with sugar, cocoa butter, and milk), peanuts, sugar, dextrose, salt, and TBHQ for freshness.