How Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Are Made in a Factory | Reese's Cups Factory Process

Key Concepts

• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups history and evolution
• Peanut selection and roasting process
• Peanut butter creation and ingredients
• Hershey's milk chocolate tempering process
• Cup molding and layering process (chocolate base, peanut butter filling, chocolate top)
• Cooling and packaging
• Quality control
• Sustainability initiatives

History and Evolution of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

• Origin: Created in the 1920s by Harry Burnett Reese, a former dairy farmer and Hershey Company employee, in the basement of his house in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
• Early Days: Initially sold as "Penny Cups" for 1 cent each during the Great Depression.
• Growth: By 1956, Reese's creation had become a candy empire.
• Acquisition: In 1963, Hershey purchased the H.B. Reese Candy Company for $23.5 million (equivalent to over $200 million today).
• Global Reach: Sold in over 100 countries.
• Product Line Expansion: Includes Reese's Pieces, Reese's Big Cups, and Reese's Thins (introduced in 2019).
• Classic Cup Dominance: The original Reese's Peanut Butter Cup remains the most popular.

Peanut Selection and Roasting

• Peanut Varieties: Uses specific varieties like Virginia or Runner peanuts, known for their rich flavor and uniform size.
• Sourcing: Peanuts are sourced from the Southern United States, including Georgia and Alabama.
• Quality Control: Rigorous quality checks are performed on incoming peanuts.
• Roasting Process: Peanuts are roasted in giant ovens at 150°C (302°F) for about 30 minutes, roasting up to 18,000 pounds per hour.
• Purpose of Roasting: Enhances the deep, nutty flavor and releases oils.

Peanut Butter Creation

• Process: Roasted peanuts are shelled, cooled, and ground into a fine paste using industrial grinders.
• Ingredients: The peanut butter contains a special blend of sugar, salt, and possibly vegetable oils for smoothness and vanilla for flavor.
• Texture: The goal is a slightly grainy but satisfying texture.
• Quality Control: The peanut butter is checked for texture and taste to ensure it spreads smoothly in the cups.

Chocolate Tempering

• Chocolate Type: Uses a special blend of Hershey's milk chocolate.
• Tempering Process: The melted chocolate undergoes tempering, a process of heating and cooling to achieve a smooth, shiny finish and prevent melting.
• Benefits of Tempering: Provides a smooth finish and the signature "snap" when bitten into.

Cup Molding and Layering

• Molds: Specially designed molds with cup-shaped indentations are used.
• Chocolate Base: A thin layer of tempered chocolate is poured into the bottom of the molds to create the base.
• Peanut Butter Filling: Precision nozzles squirt a measured amount of peanut butter into the center of each chocolate base.
• Chocolate Top Layer: Another stream of tempered milk chocolate is poured over the peanut butter, sealing it in.
• Ratio Balance: The balance of chocolate and peanut butter is crucial for the ideal flavor.

Cooling and Packaging

• Cooling Chamber: The filled molds pass through a cooling chamber with controlled temperature to harden the chocolate without affecting the peanut butter.
• Cooling Tunnel Length: Reese's cooling tunnels can stretch over several hundred feet.
• Packaging: High-speed packaging machines wrap each cup in its iconic orange and yellow wrapper.
• Production Volume: Over 40 million Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are produced daily.

Quality Control

• Throughout the Process: Quality control checks are performed at every stage, from peanut selection to packaging.
• Packaging Inspection: Ensures cups are not smashed or melted before reaching consumers.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Responsible Farming: Sourcing peanuts from farmers who use responsible farming techniques like crop rotation and reduced tillage.
• Energy Efficiency: Investing in energy-efficient roasting equipment and transportation methods.
• Local Partnerships: Working closely with local peanut farmers to support local economies and reduce transportation emissions.

Conclusion

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are made through a meticulous process involving careful selection of ingredients, precise manufacturing techniques, and rigorous quality control. From the roasting of specific peanut varieties to the tempering of Hershey's milk chocolate, every step is optimized to create the iconic flavor and texture. The company is also committed to sustainability through responsible sourcing and energy-efficient practices. The combination of quality, precision, and a commitment to sustainability has made Reese's Peanut Butter Cups a beloved treat worldwide.