Does Reese's chocolate have milk? A Comprehensive Guide to Dairy in Reese's Products

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

For many, the unmistakable taste of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup is a beloved treat, but for those with dairy concerns, a single ingredient matters. The classic milk chocolate coating on standard Reese's cups contains milk, a crucial detail for anyone managing a dairy allergy or intolerance.

Quick Summary

Classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and their milk chocolate contain dairy ingredients, while newer options like the reformulated Reese's Pieces and Plant Based cups do not. Always check specific product labels.

Key Points

Classic Cups Contain Milk: The standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are made with milk chocolate, which includes dairy ingredients like milk fat and lactose.
Reese's Pieces are Now Dairy-Free: As of mid-2025, Reese's Pieces have been reformulated to remove milk, though they are still not considered vegan due to other ingredients.
Check Labels During Transition: Due to older stock possibly still on shelves, always check the ingredient label of Reese's Pieces to confirm if it's the new dairy-free version.
Vegan Options Exist: Reese's offers a Plant Based Oat Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cup, which is a dairy-free and vegan alternative.
Beware of Seasonal Shapes: Seasonal Reese's products like eggs and trees are made on equipment that handles gluten and other allergens, posing a higher risk of cross-contamination.
Not All Products are Gluten-Free: While many standard Reese's are gluten-free, products like the Take 5 bar contain wheat and are not gluten-free.

The Original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Yes, They Have Milk

The short and simple answer for anyone curious about the classic orange-wrapped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups is yes, they contain milk. The chocolate component of these iconic candies is, by definition, a milk chocolate, which inherently includes dairy products. Examining the ingredient list on a standard package reveals key components like skim milk, milk fat, and lactose. This makes them unsuitable for individuals with a dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, or those following a vegan diet. The official kosher label found on these products also includes a 'D' (dairy) symbol, further confirming the presence of milk ingredients.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

To be specific, the ingredients for Reese's Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups clearly list "Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Milk Fat, Lactose, Lecithin (Soy), PGPR)".

Skim Milk: A dairy product derived from cow's milk.
Milk Fat: The fatty portion of the milk, contributing to the creamy texture.
Lactose (Milk): A sugar naturally found in milk, which is often a key concern for individuals with lactose intolerance.

The Dairy-Free Shift: The Story of Reese's Pieces

In a notable development in mid-2025, The Hershey Company announced a reformulation of Reese's Pieces to make them dairy-free. The original recipe contained milk, but the updated formula removes milk and dextrose from the ingredient list. This change was a significant move for consumers avoiding dairy. However, it is critical to understand that during the transition period, older inventory may still be on store shelves. Hershey advises that consumers always check the specific package label to confirm the ingredients before purchasing.

Key Points on the Reese's Pieces reformulation:

Dairy has been removed from the recipe.
The product is still not considered vegan due to the use of confectioner's glaze, an insect-derived ingredient.
Labels should be checked to ensure the product is from the new dairy-free batch.

Reese's Vegan and Plant-Based Options

For those who have a dairy allergy or choose a vegan lifestyle, Hershey's has also introduced specific product lines as alternatives. Most notably, the company released "Reese's Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection & Peanut Butter Candy Bars". These use an oat-based chocolate coating instead of traditional milk chocolate, providing a creamy texture without any dairy. The plant-based cups are certified vegan, offering a safe and delicious option for those who want to enjoy the classic peanut butter and chocolate flavor combination without dairy.

Navigating Allergens and Cross-Contamination

Managing dietary restrictions requires careful attention, and Reese's products are no exception. Even when a product is formulated to be dairy-free, cross-contamination is a potential risk. This is particularly relevant for seasonal Reese's shapes (like eggs, trees, and pumpkins), which are made on equipment that also processes gluten-containing products. While most standard Reese's varieties are gluten-free, seasonal items are an exception. This shared production line means that even a product without a milk ingredient could have traces of dairy from manufacturing, a critical point for those with severe allergies. Always check the allergen statements and ingredient lists on the packaging.

Comparison Table: Reese's Products and Their Dairy Content


Product Type	Contains Dairy?	Vegan?	Gluten-Free?	Notes
Classic Peanut Butter Cups	Yes	No	Yes	Contains milk chocolate. Standard cups are gluten-free.
New Reese's Pieces (Mid-2025+)	No	No	Yes	Reformulated to be dairy-free but still contains confectioner's glaze (not vegan).
Seasonal Shapes (Eggs, Trees)	Yes	No	No	Not gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination. Contains dairy.
Plant Based Cups	No	Yes	Check Label	Made with oat-based chocolate; specifically formulated to be dairy-free and vegan.
Reese's Take 5 Bar	Yes	No	No	Contains pretzels, which are not gluten-free.

The Bottom Line on Reese's and Milk

So, does Reese's chocolate have milk? The answer is nuanced and depends entirely on the specific product. The classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are made with milk chocolate and contain dairy, as do other milk chocolate-based products in the line. However, the manufacturer has adapted to changing dietary needs by reformulating Reese's Pieces to remove dairy and by introducing a dedicated plant-based, vegan cup. For those with severe allergies, a cross-contamination risk, especially with seasonal shapes, remains a key consideration. Ultimately, the most reliable approach is to check the packaging and the allergen information for each specific product before consumption. For official information and product listings, consult the manufacturer's website, Hersheyland.com, which regularly updates its product information.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are not dairy-free. They are made with milk chocolate, which contains milk, milk fat, and lactose.

Yes, new stock of Reese's Pieces has been reformulated to remove dairy. However, always check the label, as older inventory may still be in stores.

While the reformulated Reese's Pieces are dairy-free, they are not vegan because they contain confectioner's glaze, a substance derived from insects. Vegan products, like Reese's Plant Based cups, contain no animal-derived ingredients.

Yes, seasonal shapes like the eggs and pumpkins are made with milk chocolate and contain milk. They are also at a higher risk for cross-contamination with gluten compared to standard cups.

Yes, The Hershey Company offers 'Reese's Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection & Peanut Butter Candy Bars', which are a certified vegan alternative made with oat-based chocolate.

The 'OU-D' symbol indicates that the product contains dairy ingredients or was processed on equipment that also handles dairy. This symbol is found on classic Reese's products, confirming the presence of milk.

Yes, the dark chocolate variety of Reese's cups still typically contains dairy in its ingredient list, despite the darker chocolate flavor. Always check the specific packaging for allergen information.