No Dairy in the Ingredients, But Consider Your Sensitivity
For those wondering, "Does plant-based reese's have dairy?" the answer is a clear no, according to the official ingredient list and certification. The new product line, which includes full-size and miniature peanut butter cups, was specifically formulated to be a dairy-free alternative to the original milk chocolate version. Instead of relying on cow's milk to create a creamy texture, Hershey's uses a blend of oat flour and rice flour. This oat chocolate confection provides the familiar richness without the need for dairy ingredients, making the product a suitable option for many vegans and individuals with dairy sensitivities or allergies.
Examining the Ingredient List
The ingredients for the plant-based Reese's explicitly show the absence of dairy. While the original cups contain reduced protein whey (a milk byproduct), the new version replaces this with plant-based alternatives. A typical ingredient list for the plant-based cups includes:
- Sugar
- Peanuts
- Cocoa butter
- Chocolate
- Oat flour
- Rice flour
- Dextrose
- Sea salt
- Soy lecithin
- Natural flavor
- Rosemary extract
This list confirms the use of oat and rice flour for creaminess, avoiding any dairy milk or milk-derived components. The inclusion of soy lecithin is important for those with soy allergies, but it is not dairy.
A Note on Cross-Contamination for Severe Allergies
While the ingredients themselves are dairy-free, it is crucial for individuals with severe dairy allergies to be aware of potential cross-contamination risks. Most large food manufacturers use shared equipment for producing various products. Although companies often have protocols in place to minimize cross-contamination, there is always a minimal risk of trace amounts of allergens finding their way into a product. For those with extremely sensitive or life-threatening allergies, it is best to consult with a doctor or allergist and exercise caution. The product is not certified as being made in a dairy-free facility, only that its ingredients are dairy-free.
The Taste and Texture Difference
According to numerous customer reviews, the taste and texture of the plant-based Reese's are noticeably different from the original, which is to be expected when a core ingredient like dairy is replaced. Some have described the taste as less sweet, with a firmer chocolate coating and a texture that can be slightly drier or crumblier. This is not necessarily a negative for all consumers; some actually prefer the less intensely sweet and more complex flavor profile. The plant-based cups' chocolate also has an oat-based taste that adds a unique nutty flavor, which some reviewers have found to be a delightful addition.
Certifications Provide Assurance
Beyond the ingredient list, the plant-based Reese's cups carry important certifications that confirm their dairy-free and vegan status. These certifications include:
- Certified Vegan: The Vegan certification ensures the product contains no animal-derived ingredients.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: This indicates the ingredients are not genetically modified.
- Certified Kosher Parve: The Kosher designation of "parve" means the product contains neither meat nor dairy ingredients and can be consumed alongside both. These certifications, along with clear labeling, give consumers confidence that the product is free from dairy by ingredient design.
Comparison Table: Original vs. Plant-Based Reese's
| Feature | Original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups | Reese's Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Type | Milk chocolate | Oat- and rice-based chocolate confection |
| Dairy Content | Contains milk (whey) | No dairy ingredients |
| Certifications | Not applicable | Certified Vegan, Non-GMO, Kosher Parve |
| Allergen Warnings | Contains: Milk, Peanuts, Soy | Contains: Peanuts, Soy |
| Flavor Profile | Very sweet, classic milk chocolate and creamy peanut butter | Slightly less sweet, nuttier oat chocolate, potentially drier texture |
More Dairy-Free Innovations from Hershey's
Reese's Plant Based cups are not the only dairy-free offering from the company. In 2025, Reese's also reformulated their classic Peanut Butter Baking Chips to be dairy-free, replacing the reduced protein whey with plant-based ingredients. They also offer a plant-based Hershey's chocolate bar, made with oat milk. This reflects a broader trend in the confectionary industry to meet the demand for vegan and dairy-free options.
List of Plant-Based Hershey's Offerings
- Reese's Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups (Full-size and Miniatures)
- Hershey's Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almond & Sea Salt Bar
- Reese's Peanut Butter Chips (newer formulation)
- Reese's Pieces (dairy-free reformulation)
Conclusion
In summary, the specific product labeled as "Reese's Plant Based" does not have dairy ingredients. Its creamy texture is achieved through a mix of oat and rice flours, and it carries certifications confirming its vegan and dairy-free status. While safe for those avoiding dairy ingredients, individuals with severe allergies should remain cautious due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. For those simply looking to avoid dairy, this product is an excellent and widely available alternative to the classic milk chocolate peanut butter cup. For the most up-to-date product details, you can visit the official Hershey's Plant Based confections page.
