Reese’s, the iconic American candy brand, has been a staple in many households for generations. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a match made in heaven, and Reese’s has perfected this recipe. But have you ever wondered what brand of chocolate is used in Reese’s candies? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Reese’s, explore the chocolate-making process, and uncover the answer to this question.
A Brief History of Reese’s
Reese’s was founded in 1928 by H.B. Reese, a former dairy farmer who worked at the Hershey Chocolate Company in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Reese developed a passion for candy-making and experimented with different recipes in his basement. He eventually created the now-famous Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, which consisted of a peanut butter filling covered in milk chocolate.
The candy quickly gained popularity, and Reese’s became a beloved brand in the United States. In 1963, Reese’s was acquired by the Hershey Chocolate Company, which has since continued to produce and distribute Reese’s candies.
The Chocolate-Making Process
So, what makes Reese’s chocolate so special? The answer lies in the chocolate-making process. Reese’s uses a proprietary blend of milk chocolate that is made from a combination of sugar, cocoa butter, milk, and other ingredients. The chocolate is produced using a conching process, which involves agitating and aerating the chocolate mixture to develop the flavor and texture.
The conching process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of chocolate being produced. Reese’s chocolate is conched for a minimum of 24 hours to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
What Brand of Chocolate is Reese’s?
Now, let’s get to the question on everyone’s mind: what brand of chocolate is Reese’s? The answer is Hershey’s. Yes, you read that right – Reese’s uses Hershey’s chocolate in their candies. In fact, Reese’s has been using Hershey’s chocolate since the company was founded in 1928.
Hershey’s chocolate is a proprietary blend that is made from a combination of sugar, cocoa butter, milk, and other ingredients. The chocolate is produced using a conching process, which involves agitating and aerating the chocolate mixture to develop the flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 30-40% |
| Cocoa Butter | 20-30% |
| Milk | 10-20% |
| Other Ingredients | 10-20% |
As you can see, Hershey’s chocolate is a unique blend of ingredients that gives Reese’s candies their distinctive taste and texture.
The Benefits of Using Hershey’s Chocolate
So, why does Reese’s use Hershey’s chocolate in their candies? There are several benefits to using Hershey’s chocolate, including:
- Consistency: Hershey’s chocolate is a proprietary blend that is produced using a consistent process. This ensures that the chocolate tastes the same every time, which is important for a brand like Reese’s that relies on its distinctive taste.
- Quality: Hershey’s chocolate is made from high-quality ingredients that are sourced from around the world. This ensures that the chocolate is rich and creamy, with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
- Cost: Using Hershey’s chocolate is also cost-effective for Reese’s. By using a proprietary blend, Reese’s can negotiate a better price with Hershey’s, which helps to keep costs down.
The Impact of Hershey’s Chocolate on Reese’s
The use of Hershey’s chocolate has had a significant impact on Reese’s. The distinctive taste and texture of Hershey’s chocolate has helped to make Reese’s one of the most popular candy brands in the United States.
In addition, the use of Hershey’s chocolate has also helped to establish Reese’s as a premium brand. The high-quality ingredients and proprietary blend used in Hershey’s chocolate have helped to create a perception of quality and excellence around the Reese’s brand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the brand of chocolate used in Reese’s candies is Hershey’s. The use of Hershey’s chocolate has been a key factor in the success of Reese’s, and has helped to establish the brand as a premium player in the candy industry.
Whether you’re a fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, or one of the many other Reese’s candies, you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality product that is made with the finest ingredients. So next time you indulge in a Reese’s candy, remember the important role that Hershey’s chocolate plays in making it so delicious.
Other Reese’s Products That Use Hershey’s Chocolate
In addition to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, there are many other Reese’s products that use Hershey’s chocolate. Some of these products include:
- Reese’s Pieces: These bite-sized candies consist of a peanut butter filling covered in milk chocolate.
- Reese’s Sticks: These candies consist of a peanut butter filling covered in milk chocolate, with a crunchy peanut butter center.
- Reese’s Big Cups: These candies are larger versions of the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
All of these products use Hershey’s chocolate, which gives them a distinctive taste and texture.
The Future of Reese’s and Hershey’s Chocolate
As the candy industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Reese’s and Hershey’s chocolate adapt to changing consumer preferences. One trend that is likely to continue is the use of high-quality, sustainable ingredients in candy production.
Reese’s has already made a commitment to using sustainable ingredients in its products, and Hershey’s has also made a commitment to sourcing its cocoa beans from sustainable sources. This is good news for consumers who are looking for candies that are not only delicious, but also sustainable.
In conclusion, the use of Hershey’s chocolate is a key factor in the success of Reese’s. The distinctive taste and texture of Hershey’s chocolate has helped to make Reese’s one of the most popular candy brands in the United States, and will likely continue to play an important role in the brand’s success in the future.
What brand of chocolate is used in Reese’s?
Reese’s uses milk chocolate from Hershey’s, a well-known American chocolate manufacturer. The company has been using Hershey’s chocolate since its inception in 1928. The milk chocolate used in Reese’s is a key component of the candy’s distinctive taste and texture.
The use of Hershey’s chocolate in Reese’s is a result of the company’s long-standing relationship with Hershey’s. Reese’s was founded by H.B. Reese, a former dairy farmer who worked at Hershey’s before starting his own candy company. Reese’s partnership with Hershey’s has endured for nearly a century, and the company continues to use Hershey’s chocolate in its iconic peanut butter cups.
Is Reese’s chocolate the same as Hershey’s chocolate?
While Reese’s uses Hershey’s chocolate, the chocolate used in Reese’s is not exactly the same as the chocolate sold under the Hershey’s brand. Reese’s chocolate is a custom blend made specifically for the company by Hershey’s. This blend is designed to complement the peanut butter and other ingredients in Reese’s candies.
The custom blend used in Reese’s is a key factor in the candy’s unique taste and texture. While Hershey’s chocolate is known for its sweet and creamy flavor, the chocolate used in Reese’s is slightly different. The Reese’s blend is designed to balance out the richness of the peanut butter and other ingredients, creating a distinctive taste experience that is unique to Reese’s.
Why does Reese’s use Hershey’s chocolate?
Reese’s uses Hershey’s chocolate because of the company’s long-standing relationship with Hershey’s. H.B. Reese, the founder of Reese’s, worked at Hershey’s before starting his own candy company, and he maintained a close relationship with the company throughout his career. This relationship has endured for nearly a century, and Reese’s continues to use Hershey’s chocolate in its candies.
The use of Hershey’s chocolate in Reese’s is also a matter of quality and consistency. Hershey’s is a well-known and respected chocolate manufacturer, and the company’s chocolate is prized for its rich and creamy flavor. By using Hershey’s chocolate, Reese’s is able to ensure that its candies have a consistent taste and texture that consumers have come to expect.
Can I use Hershey’s chocolate to make homemade Reese’s?
While you can use Hershey’s chocolate to make homemade Reese’s, the results may not be exactly the same as the store-bought version. Reese’s uses a custom blend of chocolate that is designed specifically for the company, and this blend is not available to the general public.
However, you can still make delicious homemade Reese’s using Hershey’s chocolate. Simply melt the chocolate and mix it with peanut butter, powdered sugar, and other ingredients to create a tasty and authentic-tasting Reese’s-style candy. Keep in mind that the results may vary depending on the type of chocolate and other ingredients you use.
Is Reese’s chocolate gluten-free?
Reese’s chocolate is gluten-free, but it is manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients. This means that there is a risk of cross-contamination, and consumers with severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease should exercise caution when consuming Reese’s candies.
However, Reese’s has taken steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and ensure that its candies are safe for consumers with gluten intolerance. The company uses strict quality control measures to ensure that its chocolate is gluten-free, and it also offers a range of gluten-free products for consumers who require them.
Can I melt Reese’s chocolate for baking or cooking?
Yes, you can melt Reese’s chocolate for baking or cooking, but it’s not always the best choice. Reese’s chocolate is designed to be eaten as is, and it may not melt as smoothly or consistently as other types of chocolate.
However, if you do need to melt Reese’s chocolate, you can do so in a double boiler or in the microwave. Simply chop the chocolate into small pieces and heat it gently until it is melted and smooth. Keep in mind that melting Reese’s chocolate can be tricky, and the results may vary depending on the type of chocolate and other ingredients you use.
Is Reese’s chocolate vegan?
No, Reese’s chocolate is not vegan. The chocolate used in Reese’s contains milk and other animal-derived ingredients, making it unsuitable for vegans. Additionally, Reese’s candies may contain other animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin or honey.
However, there are many vegan alternatives to Reese’s chocolate available in stores and online. These alternatives are made with plant-based ingredients and are designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional chocolate. If you’re a vegan who loves Reese’s, you may want to consider trying one of these alternatives instead.