The Landmark 2025 Recipe Change
For the first time since their introduction in the 1970s, Reese's Pieces were reformulated to be dairy-free in the United States and Canada, with the updated product rolling out in mid-2025. This was not a widely publicized change, but rather a quiet recipe tweak by The Hershey Company. The reformulation was a simple one, involving the removal of the milk and dextrose from the ingredient list. While this is a welcome development for those with dairy restrictions, it is crucial to understand the implications of a rolling transition.
The Importance of Checking the Label
As new, dairy-free batches of Reese's Pieces reach store shelves, older stock containing milk is still being sold through. Online product listings may also be slow to reflect the new ingredient list. To ensure you are purchasing the reformulated product, you must carefully read the ingredient list on every package. Look for the phrase 'Contains 2% or less of: ... Milk' and avoid any package that lists 'milk' or 'reduced protein whey' as an ingredient. Hershey's themselves have advised consumers to check the label during this transition period.
Are the New Reese's Pieces Vegan?
No, while the reformulation makes Reese's Pieces dairy-free, they are still not considered vegan by most standards. The reason is the inclusion of a confectioner's glaze, which provides the candy with its signature shine. This glaze is shellac, a substance derived from the secretions of the lac insect, and therefore not plant-based. Vegans should look for alternative products like Reese's Plant-Based Peanut Butter Cups, which use an oat chocolate confection.
Reese's Pieces vs. Other Reese's Products
It's important to remember that this dairy-free status applies specifically to Reese's Pieces. Other popular Reese's products, especially those featuring milk chocolate, still contain dairy.
Dairy-Containing Reese's Products
- Classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Made with milk chocolate containing milk, milk fat, and lactose.
- Reese's Take 5: This candy bar contains pretzels and is not gluten-free, but also contains milk.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (Seasonal Shapes): Holiday-themed Reese's are made in facilities with a higher risk of cross-contamination and contain dairy.
Old vs. New Reese's Pieces Ingredients
This table highlights the key differences between the previous and updated Reese's Pieces formulas, demonstrating the removal of dairy.
| Ingredient (U.S. Mid-2025) | Old Ingredient (Pre-2025) |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Sugar |
| Partially Defatted Peanuts | Partially Defatted Peanuts |
| Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel Oil, Soybean Oil) | Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel Oil, Soybean Oil) |
| Corn Syrup Solids | Corn Syrup Solids |
| - | Dextrose (Removed) |
| Contains 2% or less of: ... Confectioner's Glaze | Contains 2% or less of: ... Milk (Removed) |
Cross-Contamination Concerns
While the new recipe contains no milk ingredients, individuals with severe dairy allergies should still be cautious. All food products carry some degree of risk for cross-contamination with allergens. If you have a severe allergy, it is always recommended to contact the manufacturer or consult their official allergen statement for the latest information on production practices. The Hershey Company has general allergen guidance on their website. For the most current ingredient information, consumers can also refer to authoritative resources like Go Dairy Free.
Conclusion: A New Era for Dairy-Avoidant Fans
The 2025 reformulation of Reese's Pieces marks a significant milestone for those who need or choose to avoid dairy. The popular peanut butter candies are now officially dairy-free in their new version, though they remain non-vegan due to the confectioner's glaze. Due to the gradual rollout, the most critical step for any consumer is to scrutinize the ingredient label of each package before purchase to confirm it is the updated, dairy-free version. This change allows a new generation of dairy-free consumers to enjoy the classic treat while emphasizing the continued need for label-checking in a changing market.
Go Dairy Free: Reese's Pieces are Going Dairy Free! Full Details Here
