Candies, REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups
Whole food · Sweets
Photo: Wikipedia
A beloved candy consisting of a chocolate cup filled with a sweet, slightly salty peanut butter center. The texture is a satisfying contrast between the smooth, firm chocolate shell and the creamy, dense filling. Nutritionally, it's a high-energy treat, providing over 500 calories and 30 grams of fat per 100 grams, with a significant sugar content of 47 grams.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore the iconic sweet-and-salty flavor combination and the textural contrast between the chocolate and peanut butter. It's a nostalgic, convenient treat deeply embedded in American candy culture, often enjoyed as a quick snack or dessert.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar and fat content can lead to blood sugar spikes and is a concern for those managing weight or diabetes. It contains common allergens (peanuts, milk, soy) and may be processed in facilities with other allergens. To mitigate, enjoy a single cup as a planned treat, pair it with a source of fiber or protein (like an apple or a handful of nuts) to slow sugar absorption, and always check the label for allergen warnings.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and fats
- Contains some protein from the peanut butter filling
- Offers a small amount of dietary fiber
- Can serve as a morale-boosting comfort food in moderation
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The candy was invented by H.B. Reese, a former dairy farmer and shipping foreman for Milton S. Hershey (founder of The Hershey Company), in his basement in 1928.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 1.4 g |
| Energy | 515 kcal |
| Energy | 2153 kj |
| Protein | 10.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 30.5 g |
| Ash | 2.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 55.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 47.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 78.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 62.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 161 mg |
| Potassium, K | 343 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 357 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.3 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.24 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.00 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.16 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.11 mg |
| Niacin | 4.5 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.62 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.10 mg |
| Folate, total | 50.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 50.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 50.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 35.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.26 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 17.0 ug |
| Retinol | 17.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 56.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.0 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 10.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.28 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.12 g |
| SFA 13:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.38 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 5.4 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.9 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 13.1 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 12.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.28 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.5 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 5.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 6.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 7.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 72.0 mg |
FAQ
Are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups gluten-free?
The standard cups do not contain gluten ingredients, but they are not certified gluten-free and may be at risk for cross-contamination. Always check the packaging for the most current allergen information.
What is the difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate versions?
The milk chocolate version is the classic, sweeter, and creamier. The dark chocolate version uses a less sweet, more bitter chocolate shell, offering a stronger cocoa flavor that some prefer for a more intense taste.
Can I freeze Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?
Yes, they can be frozen. They will last for several months in the freezer. The texture may become slightly harder, but the flavor remains intact. Let them thaw briefly at room temperature for the best texture.