While Halloween may be synonymous with all kinds of candy, no holiday is complete without Reese’s peanut butter cups—and designated Reese’s shapes in particular. Valentine’s Day means Reese’s Hearts, and Easter baskets aren’t complete without Reese’s Eggs. The best trick-or-treating gift is arguably Reese’s Pumpkins and Bats for Halloween, and Reese’s Trees round out the year for Christmas. In the past, the Hershey Company has also released snowmen and bell shapes for the winter holidays, carrots for Easter, and skeletons for Halloween.
While some shapes may be more on-point than others, it’s a common consensus on the internet that Reese’s shapes are better—even “creamier”—than Reese’s peanut butter cups. But why?
Do Reese’s Shapes Taste Better Than the Original Peanut Butter Cups?
It’s arguably not a holiday without a seasonal Reese’s shape to match, but what makes Reese’s shapes taste so much better than the original Reese’s peanut butter cups? While the Hershey Company has never indicated any specific differences in recipe or production between the iterations, candy fans have been debating whether seasonal Reese’s shapes are tastier and fresher than cups for years.
Hershey enthusiasts tend to agree that seasonally shaped Reese’s, including pumpkins and eggs, often taste better than the original peanut butter cup, and with good reason.
Hershey Reese’s/Allrecipes
First, Reese’s shapes tend to have a higher ratio of peanut butter to chocolate compared to the standard cup—a huge plus for the peanut butter-partial consumers. Whether it’s a pumpkin, heart, or tree, Reese’s seasonal shapes have a larger surface area that allows for more peanut butter filling than the usual cup. Since they use a similar amount of chocolate as standard cups, the filling makes up a higher proportion, giving seasonal shapes their signature peanut butter–heavy bite.
Additionally, the traditional cup boasts prominent ridges and a thicker, uneven chocolate coating, particularly at the top and outer edges. This key difference can result in a higher chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio in each bite, which some consumers don’t prefer.
“The Peanut Butter ratio is perfect,” writes one Redditor who says the “edges are too chocolate-y” on a normal Reese’s peanut butter cup. “The Pumpkins/Trees/Eggs are the absolute perfect nirvana of chocolate and peanut butter.”
While Reese’s cups come in a paper wrapper that molds to the chocolate’s iconic ridges, the smooth, rounded edges of Reese’s seasonal shapes create a different texture and mouthfeel. The classic cup has ridged edges with thicker chocolate, which some fans argue takes away from the amount and ratio of peanut butter. On the flip side, the holiday Reese’s shapes are coated in a thinner, more uniform chocolate layer that provides a better balance of peanut butter flavor, without the chunky chocolate ridges to interrupt.
“It’s a different temper on the chocolate. The shapes have a softer bite,” notes a Redditor on a separate thread all about the virtues of the shapes. Another adds, “I no longer eat the regular ones. Luckily, they make these for every type of holiday that I’m never without.”
Last but not least, the seasonal shapes may be fresher than the usual cups. Because holiday-shaped Reese’s are only produced and sold for a limited time, as opposed to the typical cups produced throughout the year, seasonal shapes may seem fresher than standard cups that can sit on shelves for longer periods.
Beyond the physical differences in Reese’s products, there could be a psychological component to shape preference, too. Limited-edition candy shapes create a sense of excitement compared to the original, which are available year-round and may not seem as special. The unique shape and novelty, combined with anticipation for an upcoming holiday, may trick your brain into expecting a better taste. Plus, nostalgia from childhood experiences with holiday treats—such as exchanging Valentine’s cards, hunting for eggs, trick-or-treating, and opening presents—may also influence perception of flavor.
Personally, I’m a fan of Reese’s shapes—and I’m relieved that there are some pretty legitimate reasons for my strong opinions. Regardless of your preference, one thing’s certain: fans who love Reese’s seasonal shapes never have to wait long for the next holiday release—Hershey’s R&D has us covered.
Dining and Cooking