Hershey Reverts to Original Recipes Amid Cocoa Price Slump

Hershey announced plans to revert to original recipes next year, abandoning chocolate alternatives, as cocoa prices plummeted by nearly 70% since 2024. Other major brands are expected to follow suit.

Thu May 21 2026

Hershey to Increase Cocoa Content and Lower Prices

U.S. confectioner Hershey announced plans to revert to original recipes next year and move away from chocolate alternatives. This decision comes as cocoa bean prices have slumped by nearly 70% since 2024, making traditional chocolate production more profitable. This shift promises lower shelf prices for consumers and a demand recovery for cocoa farmers.

Broader Industry Shift Expected

Hershey's move also signals a partial reversal from alternatives that often contained too little cocoa to qualify as chocolate. Industry experts suggest that other major brands like Mondelez, Ferrero, and Nestle are likely to follow suit. In late 2024, cocoa prices nearly tripled to record highs due to adverse weather and disease, leading chocolate makers to shrink bar sizes, add more wafers, fruit, and nuts, and introduce chocolate alternatives.