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Brad Reese, the grandson of the inventor of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, is publicly criticizing The Hershey Company, claiming the candy maker has replaced key ingredients in several Reese's products and weakened the brand's quality.

In a LinkedIn post published Feb. 14, Reese accused the company of "quietly replacing" milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut butter-style crème in multiple items.

According to CBS News, he questioned how the company can present Reese's as its flagship brand "while quietly replacing the very ingredients (Milk Chocolate + Peanut Butter) that built Reese's trust in the first place?"

Reese is the grandson of H.B. Reese, who created Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in 1928 after founding his own candy company in 1919.

Hershey acquired the family business in 1963. Reese says the brand became famous because it was built on "real ingredients and real integrity."

Hershey responded by saying that its classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are still made the same way.

The company acknowledged making some recipe adjustments across its expanding product line but said those changes support new shapes and sizes while protecting "the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter."

The disagreement comes at a time when cocoa prices have been high, prompting some candy companies to explore cost-saving changes. Though cocoa prices have eased recently, retail prices remain steady due to supply timing.

Reese's Heir Slams Mini Hearts Ingredient Label

Reese said he noticed the changes when he bought Reese's Mini Hearts for Valentine's Day.

The packaging described them as made with "chocolate candy and peanut butter crème," not milk chocolate and peanut butter, AP News reported.

"It was not edible," Reese told The Associated Press. "You have to understand. I used to eat a Reese's product every day. This is very devastating for me."

The US Food and Drug Administration sets strict rules for what can be labeled as milk chocolate.

Products must contain specific percentages of chocolate liquor, milk solids and milk fat. Companies can use different wording, such as "chocolate candy," if they do not meet those standards.

Reese also claims that products like Take5, Fast Break and White Reese's have changed over time, switching from traditional chocolate to coatings or crème alternatives. He further pointed to differences in labeling on products sold in Europe and the United Kingdom.

During a recent investor call, Hershey Chief Financial Officer Steven Voskuil confirmed that some formula changes have been made but stressed that the company worked to preserve the "taste profile and the specialness of our iconic brands."

He added that testing showed "no consumer impact whatsoever."

Reese disagrees. He says many people have told him the candy no longer tastes the same. Quoting founder Milton Hershey, he reminded the company: "Give them quality, that's the best advertising."