Hershey launches ‘plant-based’ bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups this spring

The dairy and meat markets aren’t the only ones being disrupted by the rapid growth of the plant-based industry. Chocolate is also going vegan.

Iconic candy brands Hershey’s and Reese’s are officially joining the plant-based fray with new non-dairy options.

The Hershey Company announced this week that it will launch Reese’s Plant-Based Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey’s Plant-Based Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt this spring.

Instead of milk, the new offerings are made with oats.

The brand manager for the company’s Better For You division said its purpose is to “create more moments of goodness for consumers.”

“Those moments are now more accessible for chocolate lovers looking for plant-based alternatives,” Teal Liu said in a statement.

In an effort to meet changing customer desires, Hershey has offered alternative treats including no added sugar, no sugar, high protein, and portion controlled options.

Reese’s Plant-Based Peanut Butter Cups will go on sale this month, followed by Hershey’s Extra Creamy Plant-Based with Almonds and Sea Salt in April.

The company is also selling its popular Hershey’s SHE Bars for the third consecutive year in honor of Women’s History Month.

By highlighting “SHE” in the logo of the classic Hershey’s milk chocolate bar, the brand hopes to share a thoughtful reminder to celebrate women and girls throughout the month.

The first 1,000 visitors to each Hershey’s Chocolate World location in New York City, Las Vegas and Hershey, Pa. received a special “Celebrate HerSHEy’s” bar on Wednesday, International Women’s Day.