Hershey has announced that Reese's Pieces will remove Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40. Current labels may still list them. Announced May 20, 2025. Source: hersheyland.com.

Announced May 20, 2025Verified Oct 5, 2026

Hershey · Reese's

Reese's Pieces

Name: Reese's Pieces
Brand: Hershey

A change has been announced.

Reese's Pieces shells are on Hershey's U.S. color list. Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40 remain on typical bags.

What was announced

Removed: Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40
Added: Beta-carotene

Announced May 2025 · target 2026

3 sources · manufacturer ingredient list, manufacturer announcement, FDA / government ↓

Category: Candy
Last checked: Oct 5, 2026

Timeline

May 20, 2025
Announced
Hershey announced a change. Source: Manufacturer announcement.
Dec 31, 2026 · pending
Company target
Company-stated target date, not a verification.

Sources

Current manufacturer ingredient list
REESE'S PIECES Peanut Butter Candy — ingredients (hersheyland.com)
Sugar, Partially Defatted Peanuts, ... Artificial Color (Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake), Modified Cornstarch, Confectioner's Glaze, Lecithin (Soy), Vanillin, Carnauba Wax, Milk.
hersheyland.com
Oct 5, 2026 · Verified ✓
Manufacturer announcement
Hershey transitioning U.S. products to colors from natural sources
The Hershey Company is transitioning U.S. products away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes toward colors from natural sources.
thehersheycompany.com
Oct 5, 2026
FDA / government source
FDA: Tracking food industry pledges to remove petroleum-based food dyes
The Hershey Company — U.S. portfolio transitioning off petroleum-based synthetic dyes (in progress).
fda.gov
Sep 15, 2026
User report
The Hershey Company U.S. color commitment (no link on file)
User report
FDA synthetic dye phase-out tracker (company commitment) (no link on file)