What are the ingredients in Reese's Thins?

Did you know Reese's Thins are 40% thinner than the original cups, offering a different chocolate-to-peanut-butter ratio? This slimmer treat, just like its classic counterpart, is made from a specific blend of ingredients that deliver its signature flavor, leading many to ask, "What are the ingredients in Reese's Thins?"

Quick Summary

This guide details the ingredients found in Reese's Thins, covering the milk, dark, and white creme varieties. It also explores key components, common allergens, and how they compare to original cups.

Key Points

• Ingredient Overview: Reese's Thins use a combination of chocolate (milk, dark, or white creme), peanuts, sugar, and dextrose for their core flavor.

• Emulsifiers for Texture: Lecithin (Soy) and PGPR are key ingredients that create the smooth, thin chocolate coating characteristic of Thins.

• Preservatives for Freshness: TBHQ and Citric Acid are included in small amounts to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

• Allergen Content: All Reese's Thins varieties contain peanuts, milk, and soy, which are common allergens.

• Gluten-Free Status: While considered gluten-free based on ingredients, Thins are produced in facilities that may also process gluten products, posing a risk of cross-contamination for those with Celiac disease.

• Not Vegan Friendly: With the exception of their specific plant-based line, Reese's Thins and other standard products are not vegan, as they contain milk products.

What are the ingredients in Reese's Thins? A Detailed Breakdown

Reese's Thins offer a more delicate version of the classic peanut butter cup. The ingredients vary slightly depending on the specific flavor, primarily in the type of chocolate or creme coating. Understanding these ingredients is important for dietary needs and curiosity. {Link: Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Reeses-Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Thins/dp/B08NG2Z179}

Understanding Key Additives

Common additives across the Thins varieties serve functional purposes:

• Lecithin (Soy): An emulsifier that ensures a smooth texture by preventing separation of fats and solids.
• PGPR: Another emulsifier that helps reduce the chocolate's thickness for a thin coating.
• TBHQ: An antioxidant used to maintain freshness and extend shelf life by preventing oil rancidity.

Reese's Thins vs. Original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

The fundamental ingredients are similar, but the proportions differ significantly, giving Thins a lighter profile. They are approximately 40% thinner and have a higher chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio compared to the original cups.

Feature	Reese's Thins	Original Reese's Cups
Thickness	Approximately 40% thinner	Standard, thicker size
Ratio	Higher chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio	Classic, balanced chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio
Serving Size	3 cups (typically 170 calories)	2 cups (typically 210 calories)
Experience	Lighter, crispier, and less dense	Heartier, denser, and richer

Allergen and Dietary Considerations

Reese's Thins contain peanuts, milk, and soy. Standard Reese's products, including Thins, are not vegan as they contain milk. Hershey's lists most classic peanut butter cup products, including Thins, as gluten-free based on ingredients, but cross-contamination is possible as they are made in facilities processing gluten. More details are available on the official Hersheyland website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Reese's Thins are made with a core of peanuts, sugar, and dextrose, coated in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white creme. Emulsifiers like soy lecithin and PGPR contribute to their thin texture, while TBHQ helps maintain freshness. Despite being thinner and offering a different ratio than the original, they retain the iconic Reese's flavor. Understanding these ingredients helps clarify the product's composition and dietary information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Reese's Thins vegan?

No, Reese's Thins are not vegan. All standard Reese's products, including the milk, dark, and white creme Thins, contain milk ingredients.

Are Reese's Thins gluten-free?

Yes, based on their ingredient list, Reese's Thins are considered gluten-free. However, because they are not certified gluten-free and are made in facilities that also process gluten, there is a risk of cross-contamination for those with severe sensitivities.

What is the main difference in ingredients between milk and dark chocolate Reese's Thins?

The main difference is in the chocolate coating. The milk chocolate version includes skim milk, milk fat, and lactose, while the dark chocolate version uses a semi-sweet chocolate with milk fat but no skim milk.

What is PGPR and why is it in Reese's Thins?

PGPR, or Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate, is an emulsifier added to the chocolate coating. Its purpose is to reduce the chocolate's viscosity, or thickness, which helps create the extra-thin shell that defines the Thins.

How do the ingredients in White Creme Thins differ from chocolate Thins?

The White Creme Thins replace the chocolate coating with a creme made from sugar, vegetable oils, skim milk, and lactose instead of cocoa butter and cocoa mass.

Are the peanut butter ingredients the same in Reese's Thins as in the original cups?

The core peanut butter ingredients—peanuts, sugar, dextrose, and salt—are generally the same. The difference in taste and texture comes from the altered ratio of peanut butter to the surrounding coating in the thinner cup.

Do Reese's Thins contain genetically modified ingredients?

Hershey's products often contain ingredients from bioengineered sources, such as sugar and soy lecithin. The presence of these ingredients is typically noted on packaging.