The 2025 Recipe Reformulation
For decades, Reese's Pieces contained dairy ingredients, specifically milk and reduced protein whey, which made them unsuitable for anyone with a milk allergy or dairy intolerance. However, in mid-2025, The Hershey Company quietly made a significant change to the formula, removing these dairy components along with dextrose. This major overhaul was confirmed to publications like Go Dairy Free and VegNews, marking the first time since the 1970s that the candy has been officially dairy-free. The recipe was altered to remove just these two minor ingredients, and no new dairy replacements were added.
What About Older Packaging?
The implementation of this change is not instantaneous across all markets. Because the reformulation was quiet and not accompanied by a large public announcement, older inventory of Reese's Pieces with the original dairy-containing recipe is still circulating in stores. This is particularly true for seasonal or bulk packages which may have been produced well in advance. This uneven transition means consumers must be diligent and check the ingredient statement on the physical package every single time they purchase, rather than relying on online information or the product name alone. Retailers' online ingredient panels and product images often lag behind the actual in-store product updates.
Reading the Label: What to Look For
For those managing a dairy allergy, reading the label is the most critical step. Hershey's has removed milk from both the main ingredient list and the 'Contains' statement on updated packages. If you see 'milk' or 'reduced protein whey (milk)' listed, it is the old recipe and contains dairy. If these ingredients are absent, it is the new, dairy-free version. During the holiday season, extra caution is needed as seasonal shapes of Reese's products often use different manufacturing lines and formulas, sometimes still containing dairy.
Why Reese's Pieces are Still Not Vegan
While the removal of dairy is a victory for those with milk allergies, it is important to clarify that Reese's Pieces are still not considered vegan by most standards. The primary reason is the inclusion of confectioner's glaze in the candy's shell, which is an animal-derived ingredient.
Confectioner's glaze is an industrial term for shellac, a glossy coating made from a purified secretion of the lac insect, Kerria lacca. Because this secretion is sourced from an insect, products containing it are not considered vegan. For this reason, those following a strict vegan diet will need to avoid Reese's Pieces, despite the removal of dairy ingredients.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
The ingredient changes are subtle but critical. A comparison of the old and new recipes highlights the specific removals. Notably, confectioner's glaze and the use of certain artificial colorings remain in the recipe for both versions.
Key Ingredient Changes: Old vs. New
| Ingredient | Old Recipe (Pre-2025) | New Recipe (Post-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | YES (listed as reduced protein whey (milk)) |
NO (removed from ingredient list) |
| Dextrose | YES | NO |
| Confectioner's Glaze | YES | YES |
| Partially Defatted Peanuts | YES | YES |
| Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil | YES | YES |
Dairy-Free Candy Alternatives
For those who need to avoid both dairy and animal products, or simply prefer to seek out verified options, there are several alternatives that offer a similar taste or texture. When considering these, always check the labels, as formulations can change over time. Some popular choices include:
- Hershey's Plant-Based Peanut Butter Cups: Hershey's introduced a certified vegan and kosher peanut butter cup line that uses an oat-based confection instead of milk chocolate.
- Unreal Dark Chocolate Covered Peanuts: A fan-favorite alternative for a chocolate and peanut butter treat.
- Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Pieces: Justin's also offers a vegan peanut butter candy option.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Dairy in Reese's Pieces
In conclusion, the answer to "is there any dairy in Reese's Pieces?" is more complex than a simple yes or no. As of a 2025 reformulation, the new recipe no longer contains milk ingredients. However, due to old inventory still being sold, consumers must check the specific package label before consuming. For those avoiding all animal products, Reese's Pieces are still not suitable due to the continued inclusion of confectioner's glaze. The best practice for anyone with a dairy allergy or intolerance is to always read the ingredient list to ensure they are purchasing the updated, dairy-free version. For vegans, other specialized peanut butter candies remain the best option.
Check out the original announcement and more details on this change from Go Dairy Free.
