The surprising truth about the Reese's Pieces coating
Many people, when they first try Reese's Pieces, assume the candy-colored shell is chocolate. This assumption is understandable, given the famous chocolate and peanut butter combination found in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. However, the pieces are an entirely different product. The confection's unique texture and flavor profile come from its signature hard-candy shell, which is part of what makes them so popular for snacking and baking.
What is the candy shell made of?
The iconic crunchy coating on Reese's Pieces is created through a manufacturing process called panning. In this process, the peanut butter centers are tumbled in large drums, where a liquid candy solution is applied in layers. The primary ingredients for this shell include:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup solids
- Confectioner's glaze
- Carnauba wax
- Artificial colors
As the layers are added and dried with warm air, they harden to form the distinctively crisp shell. This shell protects the peanut butter center and provides a contrasting texture to the soft filling. The peanut butter center itself is made from partially defatted peanuts, sugar, dextrose, and hydrogenated vegetable oils.
How Reese's Pieces differ from Reese's Cups
This distinction is at the heart of the confusion for many consumers. The brand's parent company, Hershey's, offers a variety of products, and not all of them contain chocolate. While Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are defined by their combination of a milk chocolate cup and a peanut butter filling, Reese's Pieces were intentionally designed to offer a different, pure peanut butter flavor experience.
Some fans even have a strong preference for one or the other based on the presence or absence of chocolate. The simple, pure taste of the peanut butter filling in Reese's Pieces is a unique selling point for those who prefer the distinct flavor without a chocolate component.
Reese's Pieces vs. Peanut Butter M&M's: A comparison
Another source of confusion comes from a comparison with a competitor's product. While both candies are similar in shape and size, their composition and taste are quite different. Here is a table outlining the key differences:
| Feature | Reese's Pieces | Peanut Butter M&M's |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Hard, sugar-based candy shell | Chocolate coating |
| Center | Pure peanut butter filling | Peanut butter with a chocolate layer |
| Flavor Profile | Intense, nutty peanut butter | Balanced peanut butter and chocolate |
| Shell Thickness | Thicker, crunchier shell | Thinner shell |
As shown, the primary distinction is the chocolate. The inclusion of a chocolate coating on Peanut Butter M&M's fundamentally changes the flavor and eating experience compared to Reese's Pieces.
The manufacturing process of Reese's Pieces
The production of Reese's Pieces is a testament to candy-making innovation. The process ensures uniformity and quality for every single piece. It begins with the creation of the specialized peanut butter formula, which is designed to be firm enough to hold its shape during the panning process. The peanut butter is formed into small, spherical centers, which are then chilled before moving to the panning drums. After the sugar-based coating is applied, the colorful candies are finished with a polished glaze. For a detailed look at the process, see how Reese's Pieces are made in the factory. The careful control over each step ensures the final product has the perfect balance of crunchy shell and creamy filling.
Conclusion: The classic peanut butter candy
So, to answer the central question: no, the coating on Reese's Pieces is not chocolate. It is a sugary candy shell that protects the signature peanut butter filling. This is a key feature that distinguishes them from Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and other candies on the market. The next time you reach for a handful, you can appreciate the unique, chocolate-free peanut butter experience that Reese's Pieces were designed to deliver.
