When it comes to chocolate and peanut butter, few treats are as beloved and iconic as the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. For decades, this golden combination has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions. However, a common question pops up more frequently than you might expect: Is it spelled Reeses or Reeses?
This seemingly simple question is more complex than it appears—especially due to brand names, common misspellings, and phonetic misconceptions. In this article, we’ll explore the correct spelling of the name, the history behind it, why confusion persists, and how to always get it right.
The Correct Spelling: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
The correct and official spelling of the treat is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups—not Reeses, Reese’s (with additional apostrophes), or any other variation. The “s” is placed after the apostrophe to denote possession, as the candy was created by Harry Burnett Reese, a former dairy farmer and chocolatier who founded the H.B Reed Candy Company in 1928.
The Origins of the Name
Harry Burnett Reese’s story is one of entrepreneurial success and, of course, sweet innovation. Born in 1879, Reese worked at the Lancaster Caramel Company—where he met Milton S. Hershey—before starting his own confectionery business in Hersey, Pennsylvania.
His most famous creation, the peanut butter cup, was introduced in the 1920s and quickly became a standout product. As a family-owned company, naming the candy after himself came naturally. Thus, the “Reese’s” Peanut Butter Cup was born.
Why the Apostrophe Before the “s”?
In English grammar, Reese’s is the possessive form of the name Reese. That means the peanut butter cups belong to Reese (or his company). The apostrophe indicates that the product isn’t just a combination of peanut butter and chocolate—it’s a creation trademarked by him and his legacy.
This grammatical rule often trips people up, especially because the name ends in an “s”:
- One Reese
- More than one Reese = Reeses
- Theirs = Reese’s
In the phrase “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups,” the apostrophe + s shows that this is Harry Reese’s invention—his creation.
Why So Much Confusion?
The spelling confusion between Reese’s and Reeses is surprisingly widespread and rooted in a few simple reasons.
Phonetic Similarity
From a phonetic perspective, the correct possessive spelling Reese’s and the plural Reeses are pronounced the same. In everyday conversation, you’ll never hear someone say, “Hey, let’s get some Reese’s.” Instead, you might hear:
“Who wants some Reese’s?”
But when you say “Reese’s” out loud, it sounds just like “Reeses.” This phonetic similarity leads many to believe the correct spelling is simply Reeses, with no apostrophe involved.
Misuse in Popular Culture
Another driver of the confusion is the casual misuse of the spelling in media, social media, and even marketing. While the official brand name always uses Reese’s, it’s not uncommon to see the incorrect version circulating online:
- Memes referring to “Reeses” peanut butter cups
- Misspelled tweets, Instagram posts, or TikTok videos
- Improper keyboard autocorrect changing “Reese’s” to “Reeses”
These small mistakes, over time, contribute to a broader misunderstanding of the correct spelling.
Evolving Grammar Understanding
Possessive apostrophes can be tricky in the English language, especially when pluralization is involved. The misuse of apostrophes is not isolated to “Reese’s”—think of how many times you’ve seen signs like:
“Fresh Apple’s” instead of “Fresh Apples”
Or:
“Banana’s for Sale” instead of “Bananas for Sale”
This confusion between possession and pluralization spills over into brand names, creating lasting ambiguity for everyday consumers.
Reese’s Brand Identity and Legal Standing
Despite public confusion, The Hershey Company—current owners of the Reese’s brand—takes the correct spelling and branding very seriously.
Trademark and Brand Standards
The official spelling Reese’s is trademarked. This means that unauthorized use of the misspelled version could potentially infringe on trademark laws, especially in the context of commercial products.
All official product packaging, logos, promotional materials, and advertisements use the correct Reese’s spelling consistently.
Marketing Taglines and Cultural Impact
Reese’s is easily one of the most culturally dominant candy brands in the United States. Its famous tagline, “Not Sorry”, reflects both the confidence of the brand and the enduring popularity of the snack.
The brand’s advertising campaigns often play on the contrast between chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans, creating a fun and memorable experience that reinforces the spelling:
“Two great tastes that taste great together.”
Even kids’ television and animated advertising use the correct possessive form, which, in theory, should help younger generations learn the correct spelling early on.
Historical and Cultural References to Reeses (and Reese’s)
Pop Culture and Media
Despite being misspelled in public use, “Reese’s” has become one of the most referenced candy brands in popular culture.
Examples include:
- Quotes in movies like Nacho Libre, where characters refer to “Reese’s candy” (albeit mispronounced).
- Television appearances on sitcoms like Friends or Seinfeld, where the candy sometimes appears mislabeled.
- Internet memes with altered spellings, due to limitations of design or humor.
While these misrepresentations occasionally perpetuate incorrect spelling, they also keep the brand name in circulation.
Historical Packaging Changes
The packaging of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups has evolved over the years, yet the brand has been consistent in how it refers to its name. Whether through golden wrappers, limited-edition holiday packaging, or promotional tie-ins with Marvel and other franchises, the candy has always been marketed as Reese’s, helping reinforce spelling accuracy.
How to Avoid the Mistake
If you’ve ever found yourself double-checking, “Is it Reese’s or Reeses?” here are some simple tips to keep you on the right track.
Think Possessive Pronouns
Instead of just thinking about what sounds right, apply basic English grammar. If it’s describing ownership, it must be possessive:
| Owner | Possessive Version | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Reese | Reese’s | Reese’s Cups are the best. |
| Jane | Jane’s | Jane’s cookies are always perfect. |
| The team | The team’s | The team’s victory was incredible. |
Use Analogies
Think of other commonly misspelled companies or celebrities that follow the same possessive form:
- McDonald’s (not McDonalds or McDonalds’)
- Williams-Sonoma, Williams’s, William’s
- Charles’s versus Charles’
This can help train your brain to apply the same logic to “Reese’s” spelling.
Read the Packaging
If you’re ever in doubt, check the label. The official name of the product is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, clearly displayed on every piece of candy that leaves a Hershey factory. There are no exceptions.
Why the Correct Spelling Matters
You might be wondering: does it really matter whether you spell it Reeses or Reese’s?
The answer is yes—and here’s why.
Respect for Brand Identity
Every time a brand’s name is misspelled in public, especially in an article, social media post, or product description, it undermines its identity. For a brand like Reese’s with over 90 years of legacy, consistency in spelling reflects respect for its heritage and legal trademark.
Professional Communication
Whether you’re writing professionally, publishing content online, or even creating marketing materials, using the correct spelling of well-known brands reflects professionalism and attention to detail. In academic or journalistic work, such misspellings can indicate a lack of research quality.
Avoiding Confusion
Miswriting “Reese’s” as “Reeses” can occasionally lead to real-world confusion:
- Mistyped web addresses
- Inaccurate brand mentions in legal or promotional content
- Misleading search engine results
Accuracy in writing, even in seemingly small details like this, can have a ripple effect in digital and real-world communication.
What Reese’s Products Are Available Today?
To fully appreciate the importance of getting the name right, it’s worth understanding just how expansive the Reese’s brand has become.
Classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
The original treat that started it all—featuring a peanut butter center enveloped in rich milk chocolate—has remained essentially unchanged since the 1920s.
Reese’s Pieces
Reese’s Pieces, launched in 1981, brought peanut butter candy in a bite-sized format. Often confused with M&Ms or other candies, Reese’s Pieces are made with peanut butter and candy shells, rather than real chocolate on the outside.
Minis, Sticks, Big Cups, and Holiday Variations
The brand now offers:
- Reese’s Minis: Bite-sized versions of the classic
- Reese’s Sticks: Rectangular bars filled with peanut butter
- Reese’s Big Cup: Oversized version for bigger cravings
- Holiday editions: Ghost-shaped cups for Halloween, pastel eggs for Easter, and more
Each product line reinforces the brand’s consistent use of “Reese’s” in marketing and packaging.
Final Thoughts: Reese’s Versus Reeses
While language evolves and people do make honest mistakes, the answer to the question “Is it Reeses or Reese’s?” is clear and definitive. The correct official spelling of the beloved peanut butter and chocolate treat is Reese’s, with the apostrophe before the “s” to denote possession.
So the next time you’re about to snack on some, tweet about your love for peanut butter cups, or write a brand-related article, pause and remember:
It’s “Reese’s” Peanut Butter Cups—not Reeses.
Getting the spelling right pays tribute to an American confectionery legend and ensures you respect a brand with a legacy that dates back nearly a century.
Whether you’re a grammar aficionado, a candy lover, or someone who just appreciates accuracy, now you know the distinction.
Enjoy your snack—with the correct spelling!
What is the correct spelling of the candy: Reeses or Reeses?
The correct official spelling of the popular peanut butter cup is “Reese’s.” This spelling honors its creator, H.B. Reese, who developed the candy in the 1920s and eventually founded the H.B. Reese Candy Company. The name is a possessive form, indicating ownership—meaning it is literally “Reese’s Cup,” trademarked and branded that way from the beginning.
Despite the correct spelling, many people mistakenly write it as “Reeses” without the apostrophe. This common misspelling appears in everyday writing, search engines, and even some media. However, the consistent branding by The Hershey Company, which acquired Reese’s in 1963, clearly shows that the correct and official name remains “Reese’s.”
Why do people often misspell Reese’s as Reeses?
One of the main reasons for the frequent misspelling of Reese’s as Reeses is phonetic confusion. When spoken aloud, the apostrophe in “Reese’s” is not pronounced, which can lead people to assume the name is simply “Reeses.” This oral similarity contributes to the widespread misuse, especially in casual writing or when typing quickly.
Additionally, the apostrophe in proper nouns can be confusing in general, especially when people apply grammar rules inconsistently. Many consumers encounter the candy’s name in marketing, packaging, or social media, where spelling is less emphasized compared to visual branding. As a result, the incorrect version becomes ingrained in public usage, even though the correct spelling remains firmly “Reese’s.”
Who invented Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were invented by H.B. Reese, whose full name was Harry Burnett Reese. A former dairy farmer and employee of the Lloyd A. nerve Co., Harry started his own candy business in 1921 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. His passion for confectionery, combined with the accessibility of Hershey’s chocolate due to his connection with the Hershey Chocolate Company, led him to create his signature treat.
Among the various candies he developed, the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter proved to be the most successful. Introduced in the 1920s, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups quickly became popular, establishing the H.B. Reese Candy Company as a major player in the industry. The brand was eventually acquired by The Hershey Company in 1963, further expanding the reach and influence of Harry’s original creation.
What is the history behind the creation of Reese’s?
The history of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups dates back to the early 20th century when H.B. Reese created the candy after moving to Hershey, Pennsylvania. As a former employee of the Hershey Chocolate Company, Reese had access to affordable chocolate, which he began using to develop a variety of confections. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to experiment with peanut butter and chocolate pairings, resulting in the launch of the first Peanut Butter Cups.
The product gained popularity during the 1930s and 1940s, especially during World War II, when a chocolate rationing program led to smaller candy bar sizes, but Peanut Butter Cups remained a favorite due to their compact and satisfying form. Over time, the brand’s success outlived its founder, and after Reese’s death in 1956, his six sons took over, eventually selling the company to Hershey in 1963.
How did Reese’s become associated with The Hershey Company?
Reese’s became part of The Hershey Company due to its strong connections to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where both companies were based. After H.B. Reese founded his company in 1921, he worked closely with Milton S. Hershey, founder of The Hershey Company. This relationship allowed Reese to source chocolate at a low cost, laying the foundation for a future acquisition.
After Harry’s death in 1956, his sons ran the business, and in 1963, they sold the H.B. Reese Candy Company to The Hershey Company. This acquisition allowed The Hershey Company to integrate Reese’s products into its vast distribution network, significantly increasing the scale of production and nationwide availability. Today, Reese’s is one of Hershey’s most successful and recognizable brands.
Why is the apostrophe in Reese’s important?
The apostrophe in “Reese’s” is important because it signals possession—meaning the candies originated as “Reese’s Cups,” invented by H.B. Reese. This naming format is common for brands created by individuals, as it reflects the personal ownership and legacy of the founder. Retaining the correct spelling preserves the brand’s authenticity and its roots in American confectionery history.
Furthermore, maintaining the correct spelling helps uphold brand consistency, especially for a product as widely recognized as Reese’s. While informal usage may vary, official branding across packaging, advertising, and licensed products consistently uses the apostrophe. It’s part of the brand identity, distinguishing it from similar products and reinforcing the legacy of H.B. Reese.
Are there any other misspellings or misuses of the Reese’s name?
Yes, aside from “Reeses,” other common misspellings or misuses include “Reese,” “Reeze’s,” and “Reices.” These variations often stem from phonetic misinterpretations or typos, especially when people aren’t familiar with the correct spelling or are typing quickly online. Even search engines and autocorrect tools may suggest incorrect spellings based on frequency of use.
Despite these misspellings in popular usage, The Hershey Company maintains strict brand standards dictating that the correct name is always “Reese’s.” Official marketing, packaging, legal trademarks, and licensed merchandise all use the accurate spelling. Consumers are encouraged to use the correct spelling to respect the brand’s legacy and ensure clarity in communication.