Hershey merges two fan-favorite brands in sweet new candy mashup

After days of swirling whispers about a secret project in the making, the rumors are finally confirmed.

The Hershey Company has announced that its number-one candy, Reese's, and Mondelēz International's (MDLZ) number-one cookie, Oreo, have teamed up to unveil the new Reese's x Oreo collaboration.

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As part of this highly anticipated mashup, both brands are launching various innovative products that blend the iconic flavors of Reese's and Oreo in new ways.

“This collaboration redefines what it means to be a snacking leader by tapping into exactly what our fans are asking for,” said Oreo U.S. VP Michelle Deignan in a press release. “What better way to show our fans we listen to their evolving snacking needs than to partner with the Reese's brand to deliver the collab of their dreams.”

New Reese's x Oreo products

The new Reese's x Oreo Cup mixes Reese's peanut butter filling with Oreo cookie crumbs inside a white and milk chocolate Reese's cup for the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The newly released cups come in King-Size, Standard Size, and Miniature Cups.

The new Reese's x Oreo Cookie consists of Reese's peanut butter creme with Oreo cookie crumbs sandwiched between two chocolate Oreo wafers.

How and when to get the new Reese's x Oreo products

Both new products will be available for pre-sale beginning August 18, but fans can sign up for early access via the official Hershey and Oreo websites on July 30. The nationwide rollout will follow in September 2025 at most major retailers, while supplies last.

Although the Reese's x Oreo Cookie is not out yet, it is already set to return in January 2026.

The Hershey Company unveils the new Reese's x Oreo collaboration.

Image Source: The Hershey Company

Reese's and Oreo's savvy business strategy to boost sales and mitigate rising costs

Food costs have increased across all categories in recent months, driven by a mix of supply chain disruptions, rising operating costs, inflation, and tariffs. Among those hit is cocoa.

While around 80% of cocoa is sourced from West Africa, the U.S. tariffs on foreign goods are not the only cause of this surge.

Since early last year, unpredictable weather fluctuations, including excessive rainfall and hotter temperatures, have disrupted cocoa production, leading to global shortages and price hikes.

As one of the world's largest chocolate manufacturers, The Hershey Company (HSY) has undoubtedly felt the pressure.

Over the last few months, the company has worked to diversify its portfolio and revenue streams, reducing its reliance on cocoa by expanding into other categories and forming strategic partnerships. Still, Hershey wasn't immune to the impacts.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the company's total net sales declined nearly 14%, and its North America confectionery sector was down 15%.

Hershey's strategy pays off

Hershey is responding to ever-evolving consumer preferences and rising cocoa costs by developing a new strategy and fighting back with innovation.

Instead of completely eliminating chocolate or heavily increasing prices, Hershey is adapting by introducing other ingredients like peanut butter, caramel, and wafers into its products. This not only allows it to meet consumer demands, but also helps it reduce its cocoa usage per item.

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The Reese's x Oreo collaboration couldn't have come at a better time. With cocoa costs soaring and brands under pressure to maintain competitive prices without burdening consumers, integrating other ingredients can keep production costs under control while continuing to make customers happy.

And all its efforts look to be working for Hershey.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the company's total net sales were up 26%, and its North America confectionery sector increased 32%, outdoing nearly all analysts' expectations.