How many calories are in one Reese's peanut cup? A full nutrition guide

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard, single-pack Reese's peanut butter cup contains approximately 88 calories. However, the exact amount can vary significantly across the different sizes available, from miniatures to king-size packs, making it crucial to know which version you are eating. This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of the different cup varieties and their nutritional information.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single Reese's peanut cup depends on its size, with standard, miniature, and snack-sized options having different nutritional values.

Key Points

Single Cup Calories: A standard, 0.6 oz single Reese's peanut butter cup has approximately 88 calories.
Size Variations: The calorie count changes significantly with size; a miniature has about 36 calories, while a snack-size piece is 110 calories.
Standard Two-Pack: The classic orange two-pack is a single serving totaling 210 calories, not 88 calories per cup.
Gluten-Free Status: Most standard Reese's cups are made without gluten ingredients, but seasonal shapes are not considered gluten-free due to cross-contamination risk.
Ingredients: The primary components are milk chocolate and a rich, specifically roasted peanut butter filling.
Origin: The candy was created by H.B. Reese in 1928, and his company was later acquired by the Hershey Company in 1963.

Understanding the Varying Calorie Count

Many people incorrectly assume all Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the same size and contain an identical number of calories. The reality is that the calorie count depends heavily on the specific product and its weight. The most significant point of confusion often revolves around the 'standard' cup. Is it a single piece or a two-pack? For the purposes of precise nutritional tracking, understanding the distinctions is vital.

Size Matters: A Breakdown of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Miniature Cups: These small, unwrapped cups are often found in bulk bags. A single miniature cup (approximately 7 grams) contains about 36 calories. These are a popular choice for portion control or for those who want a small treat without committing to a larger serving.
Standard Single Cup: The individually wrapped, 0.6 oz cup contains approximately 88 calories. This is the closest to a true "one cup" and is a good baseline for comparison.
Snack Size Cups: A single piece from a Snack Size bag is around 110 calories (21g). While it may look similar to the standard single cup, it's slightly larger and therefore has more calories.
Standard 2-Cup Pack: The classic orange package contains two full-size cups. The nutritional information for the entire package is 210 calories. This is a crucial distinction, as enjoying the whole pack doubles the calories of a single piece.
King Size Cups: These larger packs typically contain multiple cups or larger-format items. A king-size 2-cup pack is roughly 200 calories (40g), while some variants can be higher.

Calorie and Nutritional Breakdown by Size

To provide a clear picture, here is a comparison of the calories and macronutrients for several popular Reese's varieties. While the proportions of fat, carbohydrates, and protein are relatively consistent across sizes, the total amounts change significantly.

Table: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Nutritional Comparison


Product (Serving Size)	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Miniature (1 cup)	36	2.1	3.9	3.3	0.7
Standard Single (1 cup, 0.6 oz)	88	5.2	9.4	8.0	1.7
Snack Size (1 piece, 21g)	110	6	12	11	2
Standard Full Size (2 cups, 1.5 oz)	210	12	24	22	5

Ingredients and the Story Behind the Cup

The irresistible combination of milk chocolate and peanut butter that defines Reese's originated in 1928, created by H.B. Reese in his basement workshop in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Reese, who had worked for the Hershey Company, eventually sold his own successful candy company to Hershey in 1963. The iconic flavor is achieved through a specific roasting process for the peanuts. Common ingredients include milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, milk chocolate), peanuts, and sugar, along with dextrose, salt, and soy lecithin as an emulsifier.

Clarifying the Gluten-Free Status

For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, the gluten-free status of Reese's is a common concern. Standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are generally considered gluten-free based on their ingredients. However, as noted in the search results, this can be complex. Hershey's website provides a list of products without gluten-containing ingredients, but they are not certified gluten-free. Crucially, seasonal shapes (like eggs, trees, and pumpkins) are often an exception and should be avoided due to the higher risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing facilities. For specific product information, the official manufacturer's website is the best source: Hersheyland SmartLabel.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While the answer to "How many calories are in one Reese's peanut cup?" is not a single, simple number, it is very easy to determine with a quick check of the package. The calorie count varies significantly based on the product’s size, from 36 calories for a mini to over 100 for larger pieces. Paying attention to these details, as well as being mindful of the ingredients and potential cross-contamination for seasonal items, allows you to enjoy this classic treat while staying informed about your nutritional intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single, miniature Reese's peanut butter cup contains approximately 36 calories.

The classic, full-size package with two cups contains 210 calories in total.

Yes, most regular Reese's cups are considered gluten-free based on their ingredients. However, seasonal shapes like eggs or trees may pose a cross-contamination risk and should be avoided if you have celiac disease or a high sensitivity.

The calorie count varies because the products are different sizes and weights. A larger item, like a Big Cup, naturally has more calories than a smaller miniature cup.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups were created by Harry Burnett Reese in 1928.

While Reese's is a treat, there are variations like Thins and Zero Sugar Miniature Cups, or alternatives from other brands that might offer different nutritional profiles. A controlled portion size is the best way to manage intake.

Many people claim that seasonal shapes like pumpkins or eggs taste better. This is often attributed to the different chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio that the varied shapes produce.