How Unhealthy Are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups? A Closer Look at the Nutrition Diet

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, most women should consume no more than 24 grams of added sugar daily, yet a single serving of Reese's can nearly meet that limit. This fact raises the question for many: How unhealthy are Reese's peanut butter cups?

Quick Summary

An examination of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups' nutritional content reveals they are calorie-dense and high in added sugars and saturated fat, with limited nutritional benefits, reinforcing that they are a treat best enjoyed infrequently and in moderation.

Key Points

High in Added Sugar and Saturated Fat: Standard Reese's are packed with simple sugars and saturated fat, with minimal nutritional return for the calories.
Considered Ultra-Processed: The candy contains preservatives like TBHQ and is a highly processed food, which is a concern for overall health.
Spikes Blood Sugar: The high sugar content can cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations, leading to energy crashes and cravings.
Moderation is Key: Occasional consumption as a treat is acceptable for most people, provided it's balanced within a healthy, whole-food-based diet.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For regular cravings, consider dark chocolate versions, organic brands like Justin's, or homemade recipes to reduce sugar and additives.
Not a 'Healthy' Snack: Despite containing peanut butter, the high processing and added ingredients strip the product of genuine nutritional value.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Reese's

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are a beloved treat, but a look at their nutritional label shows why they are not a cornerstone of a healthy diet. A standard 1.5-ounce (42g) package, containing two cups, provides a significant amount of calories, sugar, and fat. This dense caloric load comes with very little in the way of beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. For example, one 1.5-ounce package contains 210 calories, 12 grams of total fat (with 4.5 grams of saturated fat), and 22 grams of total carbohydrates (including 19 grams of sugar). This means a large portion of the cup's content is simply added sugar and fat, offering minimal nutritional return for the calories consumed.

The Impact of Added Sugar and Saturated Fat

Excessive consumption of added sugar and saturated fat, like that found in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, is linked to several health concerns. Here's a deeper look into why these ingredients warrant caution:

High Sugar Intake

Weight Gain: Sugary foods are often calorie-dense and can contribute to excess calorie intake, leading to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity.
Blood Sugar Spikes: The high concentration of simple sugars causes rapid spikes and subsequent crashes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and cravings. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes.
Increased Disease Risk: Over time, a diet high in added sugar can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

High Saturated Fat Intake

Cholesterol Levels: A diet rich in saturated fat, particularly from animal sources or specific processed fats, can raise levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease. While the saturated fat in Reese's is a mix of types, the overall high quantity is still a concern.
Heart Health: High intakes of saturated fat, combined with added sugars, contribute to poor cardiovascular health by increasing cholesterol and potentially exacerbating inflammation.

More Than Just Sugar and Fat: The Role of Processing

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are considered an ultra-processed food, a category linked to a higher risk of health issues. The ingredient list includes elements like TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), a synthetic preservative of higher concern to organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Ultra-processed foods are designed to be highly palatable and often lack the fiber, vitamins, and minerals of whole foods, meaning they can displace more nutritious options in one's diet.

Navigating the Craving: Moderation and Alternatives

Understanding how unhealthy are Reese's peanut butter cups doesn't mean you must banish them forever. The key is moderation, which involves incorporating treats mindfully and less frequently. For those who enjoy the flavor combination but want a healthier option, several alternatives exist. Many of these substitutes use higher-quality ingredients, less sugar, or dark chocolate, which offers potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties.

Here are some better choices to satisfy a peanut butter and chocolate craving:

Dark Chocolate Varieties: Some brands, and even Reese's, offer dark chocolate versions. Dark chocolate is richer in antioxidants and typically contains less sugar than milk chocolate.
Organic & Natural Brands: Brands like Justin's offer organic peanut butter cups with ingredients sourced responsibly, containing less sugar and no artificial preservatives.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups: Creating your own cups at home allows for complete control over ingredients, including using natural peanut butter, dark chocolate, and a healthier sweetener like maple syrup or honey.

Comparison Table: Reese's vs. a Healthier Alternative


Feature	Standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (per 2 cups)	Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (per 2 cups)
Processing Level	Ultra-processed, contains preservatives and additives.	Organic ingredients, less refined, no artificial additives.
Sugar Content	High (around 19g added sugar).	Lower (around 16g added sugar, but organic source).
Fat Content	High (12g total fat, 4.5g saturated fat).	Lower per cup (approximately 11g total fat, 4g saturated fat in dark chocolate version).
Chocolate Type	Milk Chocolate.	Dark Chocolate, which contains beneficial antioxidants.
Ingredients	Refined sugars (sugar, dextrose), preservatives (TBHQ), milk fat, soy lecithin, PGPR.	Organic cane sugar, organic dark chocolate, organic ground peanuts, organic palm oil, sea salt, organic sunflower lecithin.

Conclusion: A Treat, Not a Staple

Ultimately, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are not a healthy food and should not be considered a regular part of one's diet. Their high sugar and saturated fat content, along with their ultra-processed nature, mean they provide little nutritional value while contributing significantly to daily calorie, sugar, and fat intake. However, enjoying them in moderation as an occasional treat within an otherwise balanced and nutritious diet is a reasonable approach for most people. For those seeking a similar flavor profile with fewer downsides, numerous healthier alternatives exist that utilize better-quality ingredients and less sugar. By making informed choices, you can still indulge your sweet tooth while keeping your overall nutrition goals in sight.

Learn more about the differences between dark chocolate and milk chocolate from Consumer Reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main reasons are their high content of added sugars, which can lead to weight gain and disease over time, and their significant saturated fat content.

Yes, in the context of an otherwise healthy, balanced diet, it is perfectly fine to have a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup as an occasional treat.

Interestingly, seasonal shapes like pumpkins or eggs often have a higher peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio than the standard cups, which might slightly alter the nutritional profile, but they are still treats high in sugar and fat.

Yes, brands like Justin's and Unreal offer organic, lower-sugar, and sometimes vegan alternatives to traditional Reese's, though they should still be enjoyed in moderation.

The peanut butter used in Reese's is highly processed with added sugar and dextrose to create the iconic flavor and texture. It is not the same as natural peanut butter and does not offer the same nutritional benefits.

Practical tips include buying smaller, 'snack-size' portions to limit intake, eating them slowly to savor the flavor, and consuming them after a nutritious meal to help stabilize blood sugar.

The ultra-processing means the candy is stripped of beneficial nutrients and contains additives like the preservative TBHQ, which can have health concerns. This contributes to its low health rating from sources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).