Key Differences: Ingredients and Production
At the core, the main distinction between plant-based and regular Reese's is the use of dairy. Traditional Reese's use milk chocolate, which contains dairy ingredients like skim milk, milk fat, and lactose. To achieve a similar creamy texture without dairy, the plant-based version uses a blend of oat flour and rice flour to create an "oat chocolate confection". While both share common components like sugar, peanuts, cocoa butter, and soy lecithin, the dairy-free approach completely changes the chocolate recipe.
The peanut butter filling also has subtle differences. The regular Reese's filling has a distinctly sweet, creamy, and sometimes slightly grainy texture. The plant-based version's peanut butter has been described by some as having a different texture, occasionally more doughy or paste-like, and with a slightly less sweet, more prominent peanut flavor. The recipe adjustments are necessary to ensure the final product holds together and provides a comparable experience while adhering to a plant-based formula.
Ingredient list comparison
- Regular Reese's: Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, skim milk, milk fat, lactose, soy lecithin, PGPR), peanuts, sugar, dextrose, salt, TBHQ, citric acid.
- Plant-Based Reese's: Sugar, peanuts, cocoa butter, chocolate, oat flour, rice flour, dextrose, sea salt, soy lecithin, natural flavor, rosemary extract.
Taste and Texture Comparison
Taste and texture are where the differences become most apparent to the consumer. For many, the classic Reese's is defined by its sugary-sweet milk chocolate and soft, grainy peanut butter interior. In contrast, reviews of the plant-based version often highlight a more complex, chocolate-forward flavor profile. The oat chocolate confection is frequently described as less sweet and with a firmer texture that produces a distinct "snap" when bitten into. Some tasters find the texture slightly gritty or waxy, while others appreciate the more pronounced cocoa taste. The peanut butter in the plant-based cup can be less sweet, allowing the nutty flavor to come through more strongly. For someone accustomed to the original, the plant-based cup offers a noticeably different, though not necessarily inferior, experience.
A side-by-side taste test often reveals:
- Regular: Creamier, sweeter milk chocolate; smoother, sweeter peanut butter filling.
- Plant-Based: Darker, more prominent chocolate flavor; firmer, potentially grainier texture; less sweet peanut butter.
Nutritional Differences
While neither candy is a health food, there are interesting differences in their nutritional profiles. Surprisingly, a two-cup serving of both the plant-based and regular Reese's has the same calorie count (210 calories). However, the specific macronutrient breakdowns vary.
- The plant-based version is higher in saturated fat, with 7 grams compared to the 4.5 grams in the original. This is likely due to the higher cocoa butter content used to achieve the desired creamy mouthfeel without dairy.
- On the flip side, the plant-based cup is lower in added sugar and sodium. It has 13 grams of added sugar versus 20 grams in the regular, and half the sodium.
- The regular Reese's contains slightly more protein, with 2 more grams per serving than the plant-based version.
Comparison Table: Plant-Based vs. Regular Reese's
| Feature | Plant-Based Reese's | Regular Reese's |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Content | Dairy-free; uses oat and rice flour blend. | Contains dairy from milk fat, lactose, and skim milk. |
| Chocolate Flavor | More prominent cocoa flavor, slightly darker. | Classic, sweeter, and milder milk chocolate. |
| Texture | Firmer, often described with a "snap". | Smoother, with a creamy, melty feel. |
| Sweetness | Less sweet overall, with lower added sugar. | Significantly sweeter with more added sugar. |
| Saturated Fat | Higher (7g per 2 cups). | Lower (4.5g per 2 cups). |
| Sodium | Lower (half the amount). | Higher. |
| Price | Generally more expensive. | Standard price. |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between plant-based and regular Reese's comes down to dietary needs and personal taste preference. The plant-based version successfully provides a dairy-free alternative that is recognizably Reese's but offers a distinct flavor and texture experience—one that is often praised for its rich chocolate flavor and less sugary profile. For strict vegans or those with dairy sensitivities, the plant-based cup is the clear winner. However, classic candy enthusiasts who prefer the traditional, sweeter, and creamier milk chocolate taste may stick with the original. Both options serve their respective audiences, ensuring more people can enjoy the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. The creation of a nationally distributed plant-based version is a significant step for Hershey's, broadening their appeal in a market increasingly focused on alternative diets.
More Than Just a Swap: The Plant-Based Movement
This development by Hershey's reflects a broader industry trend toward plant-based alternatives. The company's expansion into this category with its Oat Made bars prior to the Reese's launch shows a strategic shift to capture a growing consumer base. This movement is driven by consumer demand for products perceived as healthier, more ethical, or simply offering more choices. By introducing these new products, Hershey's is adapting to changing market trends and demonstrating its commitment to innovation in the confectionery space.
Where to find Plant-Based Reese's
Initially, Reese's Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups rolled out to retailers like Rite Aid and Target in March 2023 and have since expanded in availability. While distribution has grown, regular Reese's are still more widely available in most stores. Consumers should check major supermarkets and drugstores for the plant-based version. Due to their newer status and production costs, the plant-based cups typically carry a slightly higher price point than their dairy counterparts. This cost difference is common for many specialty or alternative products entering the mainstream market.
Addressing Allergies and Dietary Needs
It is critical to note that while the plant-based version is dairy-free, both types of Reese's contain peanuts and soy. Anyone with a peanut or soy allergy should avoid both products. The plant-based cups are a solution specifically for those avoiding dairy or following a vegan diet. Their label as "plant-based" is accurate, but it is not a cure-all for all food allergies. Consumers with multiple allergies must always check the ingredient list thoroughly before consumption.
