Hershey takes Reese’s Pieces into snacking with first new launch in a decade

Hershey‘s Reese’s Pieces snacking expansion: overview

• Hershey launches Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Cookie after a decade-long hiatus
• New product combines peanut butter flavour with a chocolate cookie centre
• Launch signals Hershey’s strategic expansion beyond traditional confectionery categories
• Confectionery brands increasingly target snacking to drive portfolio diversification
• Brand extensions help manufacturers unlock growth while reducing innovation risk

The Hershey Company is shaking up the Reese’s Pieces brand for the first time in a decade. And it’s making a very clear statement with the move.

The confectionery giant is launching Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Cookie – taking the brand firmly into snacking.

The new innovation combines peanut butter flavour with a chocolate cookie centre. Though the fact it’s peanut butter flavour, rather than actual peanut butter, may prove contentious with its customers.

“Reese’s has always been known for its signature peanut butter and chocolate combination, and with this innovative product, we’re excited to give consumers a fresh way to experience it,” says Melissa Blette, senior brand manager for Reese’s.

Hershey targets snacking

The move reflects a broader trend of confectionery brands stretching into snacking, as manufacturers look to diversify their portfolios.

And for legacy confectionery brands, the appeal is obvious. Consumers are increasingly looking for products that blur the lines between treats and snacks, creating opportunities for brands to move beyond traditional confectionery and capture a greater share of everyday consumption.

Reese’s is particularly well positioned to make that leap. The brand’s peanut butter credentials have already helped it expand beyond its famous cups into products spanning bars, popcorn and baked goods. By introducing a chocolate cookie format, Hershey is tapping into a category that offers both familiarity and potential for incremental growth.

The launch also reflects the growing importance of brand stretch in an increasingly competitive market. Rather than building entirely new brands, manufacturers are leveraging well-established names to enter adjacent categories, reducing risk while capitalising on existing consumer loyalty.