Top 10 Facts About Reese's Candy History

Have you ever thought about how the delicious taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Candy came to be? Whose genius mind it was that came up with the idea of combining milk with chocolate and peanut butter would become everyone’s favorite?

Today in Candyvilla’s blog we will tell you how this all-time favorite candy came to be and some fun facts about it. 

In the early 1920s, a man named H.B. Reese, a humble dairy farmer with a sweet tooth and a daring dream, set out to change the candy world forever with his legendary creation: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Reese’s love for candy-making led him to establish the H.B. Reese Candy Company in the early 1920s. His unique combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate quickly captivated the market, setting Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups apart as a truly original treat.

Reese’s small company gained significant traction, and eventually, he partnered with Hershey’s, the chocolate giant, which provided the high-quality chocolate that defined his product’s signature taste. This partnership culminated in 1963, when Hershey’s officially acquired the H.B. Reese Candy Company, securing the legacy of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Under Hershey’s leadership, Reese’s became an international sensation and remains one of the most popular candies worldwide, beloved for its perfect balance of salty and sweet. The collaboration between Reese and Hershey not only brought unparalleled growth to the brand but also transformed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into a timeless classic enjoyed by candy lovers around the globe.

Here are a few more fun facts about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups:

1. Accidental Chocolate Ratios: Each Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup size has a different ratio of chocolate to peanut butter. Some fans swear by the miniatures for their thicker chocolate coating, while others prefer the regular cups for the balanced taste. These differences were initially accidental but have become part of the appeal.
2. Secret Recipe for the Peanut Butter Filling: Reese’s peanut butter filling isn’t the same as standard peanut butter. The company uses a unique, slightly crumbly peanut butter formula that pairs perfectly with chocolate—something they’ve kept a closely guarded secret.
3. Reese's Has Its Own Factory: Because of Reese’s immense popularity, Hershey’s dedicated an entire factory to producing Reese’s products in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The factory churns out millions of Reese’s candies every day to meet demand.
4. Limited-Edition Flavors: Beyond the original, Reese’s has introduced limited-edition flavors over the years, like White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Lovers, and Chocolate Lovers. These special flavors keep fans excited and curious to try something new!
5. A Peanut Butter Cup That’s All Peanut Butter: In 2021, Reese’s launched an "Ultimate Peanut Butter Lovers Cup," made without any chocolate—just peanut butter coating and peanut butter filling. It became a hit with peanut butter superfans.
6. It’s a Candy Powerhouse: Reese’s accounts for about 47% of Hershey’s annual sales, making it one of the most valuable products in Hershey’s entire lineup. Its steady popularity has helped keep Hershey’s on top in the candy industry.
7. Fan-Created Hacks: Reese’s fans are known for their creative uses of the cups. Some freeze them for a firmer bite, while others melt them into milkshakes or use them as s’mores fillings. These hacks have become so popular that Reese’s has even released limited-edition products like Reese’s Peanut Butter Lovers bars inspired by these fan creations.
8. Used as a Marketing Model: Reese’s success has inspired other companies to try and recreate the magic of a sweet-and-salty treat. Brands have even referenced Reese’s as a model for how to combine two simple ingredients into something iconic.
9. It’s a Halloween Classic: Hershey’s reportedly sells over 60% of its Reese’s product during the Halloween season alone. This has led to the creation of “Monster Cups” and other Halloween-specific Reese’s products each year.
10. Fans Are Crazy About the Center: When surveyed, many fans say the peanut butter center is their favorite part of the candy. Hershey’s even tested “Inside Out” Reese’s Cups that reversed the chocolate and peanut butter layers—but fans still tend to love the original the most!

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Reese’s or just discovering the sweet magic of chocolate and peanut butter, there’s no denying that Reese’s has a rich and fascinating history. From its humble beginnings to becoming a worldwide sensation, Reese’s continues to bring joy to candy lovers everywhere.

Ready to indulge in these iconic treats? Visit Candyville today to stock up on candies at unbeatable wholesale candies in Canada. With winter and the holiday season right around the corner, there’s no better time to fill your pantry with the classics everyone loves. Shop now and make your holiday celebrations extra sweet!