As a long-time fan of chocolate treats, I’ve always enjoyed the delicious mix of creamy milk chocolate and rich peanut butter in Reese’s Pieces and Cups. His signature combination has won the hearts of many around the world, making it one of the most popular products owned by Hershey. However, for Muslims following halal dietary guidelines, an important question arises—are these treats permissible to eat?
To find the answer, I took a closer look and did deep research, even reaching out for direct communication with the manufacturer, The Hershey Company. The food industry, especially in the United States, is dominated by giants, and Hershey is no exception—it’s a true behemoth in the candy world.
While some products are labeled halal, others may contain hidden concerns in their coating, flavour, or dietary sources. When evaluating Reese’s, the key is to check whether its butter blend and other ingredients align with Islamic law.
The final decision should be based on verified sources, so always look for reliable certification before making an informed choice. If new updates are found, it’s best to share them with others in the community.
Is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups HALAL? Quick summary:
Many Muslim consumers wonder if Reese’s treats meet Islamic dietary laws. Some products, like Reese’s Pieces and Reese’s Sticks Minis, have been halal-certified and are safe to consume. The Hershey Company has shown dedication in meeting dietary requirements, ensuring people can enjoy their favorite treats with peace of mind. However, there is confusion about certain products, especially chocolate cups that contain milk and other animal-based ingredients.
To clarify, an online journalist reached out to a consumer representative, who confirmed via email and social media that some products meet halal standards. It’s important to check the ingredients list before purchasing, as some candies like Haribo Gummy Bears, Starburst, and Hi-Chew Candy may contain pork products or alcohol, making them unsuitable for those following strict dietary rules. Products like UPC 341520, UPC 3400011420, UPC 342480, and UPC 3400009468 are officially certified, helping consumers make an informed decision in a global market.
What Does “Halal” Mean in Food?
To understand whether a product like Reese’s is truly halal, it’s important to know what this word means in the context of food. In Islamic law, halal refers to anything permissible, and this applies to both ingredients and preparation methods.
For Muslim consumers, certain elements in packaged foods raise concern, such as gelatin, enzymes, or by-products that may be derived from non-halal sources. Any item containing pork, alcohol, or an improperly slaughtered animal is not considered halal. Following strict guidelines, Islamic teachings ensure that only pure and lawful foods are eaten, making it essential to check labels and certifications carefully before making a choice.
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The Story of Reese’s
Reese’s is one of the most famous candy brands in the United States, loved by chocolate lovers around the world. It was created by Harry Burnett Reese, an American inventor who was born in 1879 in Pennsylvania.
Before starting his company, he worked on an agricultural farm and in the dairy industry. In 1919, he began manufacturing milk-covered fruits like raisins using advanced machines. By 1923, he incorporated the H. B. Reese Candy Company and introduced the now-famous Peanut Butter Cups, which became the number one selling brand for chocolate treats.
Following his death in 1956, his sons decided to merge the company with The Hershey Company, making it the official owner of Reese’s. Over the years, the company’s sales continued to grow, reaching over $2 billion per year in 2023. Today, Reese’s is worth more than $4 billion, and its shares remain a valuable asset in the market.
Reese’s Products and Key Ingredients
Reese’s offers a wide range of products, with over 100 different types of candy, cookies, and cereals. Within their candy line, there are around 60 varieties, including Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Mini Cups, Reese’s Sticks, and Reese’s Puffs. Some variations, like Reese’s Pieces Chocolate, come in dark chocolate, while others, such as Reese’s Miniature Eggs, feature a crunchy shell.
The most popular choice remains Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, a treat that chocolate lovers truly crave for its distinctive taste and creamy texture. When diving deeper into the ingredient list, the primary component of these chocolates includes cocoa butter, cocoa mass, and milk powder, combined with nonfat milk and milk fat to create a creamy milk chocolate flavour.
Corn syrup acts as a sweetener, a common element in confectionery products, to enhance sweetness. Whether unwrapped or coated in a crunchy shell, the balance of peanut butter and chocolate makes Reese’s a beloved treat, similar to the layered experience of a KitKat.
Peanut Butter Cup Cake Ingredients
Reese’s is well known in the candy world, offering a variety of products that chocolate lovers enjoy. Their signature peanut butter crème is a key ingredient in their famous cups, combined with a milk chocolate flavour coating that contains cocoa butter, cocoa mass, sugar, and skimmed milk powder.
However, for devout followers of Islamic dietary laws, certain elements in these chocolates may raise concerns. The presence of milk fat, lactose, and dairy products could make them non-halal, depending on how these ingredients are sourced.
Some confectionery ingredients, such as artificial flavour, emulsifiers, and vanillin, are also included to enhance taste and texture. A deeper look into the ingredients reveals additives like soy lecithin, soya lecithin, modified cornstarch, and polyglycerol polyricinoleate, which help maintain smooth consistency.
Some ingredients, such as resinous glaze and carnauba wax, are used to give a glossy finish, but they can be animal-based. Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, and Blue 1 Lake are commonly used colourings, but their sources and processing methods might not align with Islamic law.
Additionally, palm oil and palm kernel oil are used, which, while plant-based, come with ethical concerns related to deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction. One ingredient that might be problematic is castor bean oil, often used in hydrogenated vegetable oil blends. The factory setting where these chocolates are made also plays a role, as cross-contamination with non-halal elements is possible.
The inclusion of dextrose, corn syrup, and citric acid as sweeteners further complicates the matter for conscientious consumers who carefully examine every ingredient. While these components help maintain the common component of a chalky or grainy texture in some sweets, their source determines whether they meet halal status.
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So, Is Reese’s Halal?
Many Muslim consumers wonder if Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and other treats from the Hershey Company meet Islamic dietary laws. The good news is that some Reese’s products, such as Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Sticks Minis (Unwrapped), and Reese’s Sticks, have been halal-certified.
Their UPC codes include UPC 341520, UPC 3400009468, UPC 3400011420, and UPC 342480. This means they are safe for Muslim consumers to consume without concern. However, when looking at other products like Chocolate Cups, there is often confusion about animal-based ingredients.
While these cups contain milk, which is generally halal, it’s essential to check the ingredients list carefully. Some candies, including Haribo Gummy Bears, Starburst, and Hi-Chew Candy, may contain pork products or alcohol, making them unsuitable for those following Islamic dietary laws.
To clear up any doubts, an online journalist contacted a consumer representative from The Hershey Company, who confirmed via email and social media that certain Reese’s products are halal-certified. The company has shown dedication to meeting dietary requirements for their global consumer base, ensuring that people can make an informed decision with peace of mind.
Qamar Ul Haq is an Islamic historian and writer with a passion for uncovering the rich heritage of Muslim civilizations. Through in-depth research and storytelling, He brings to life the achievements, struggles, and contributions of the Ummah throughout history.