The Ultimate Guide To I Love Reese's Day 2025: History, New Flavors, And 5 Ways To Celebrate
Every year, the sweet fusion of chocolate and peanut butter gets its own official celebration, and the next one on Sunday, May 18, 2025, is shaping up to be the biggest yet. This annual observance, known simply as "I Love Reese's Day," is a global phenomenon dedicated to honoring the iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and its ever-expanding universe of delightful treats. It's more than just a day to enjoy a classic candy; it’s a moment for fans to celebrate the perfect, irresistible combination that has captivated taste buds for nearly a century.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the history of this special day, the fascinating life of its creator, Harry Burnett Reese, and—most importantly—the fresh, unique products and exciting promotions that The Hershey Company is rolling out for the 2025 celebration. Get ready to explore the new *Reese's Mini Trees* and the groundbreaking *REESE’S and OREO® collaboration* that are changing the candy landscape.
The Sweet Legacy: A Biography of Harry Burnett "H.B." Reese
The story of the world’s favorite peanut butter and chocolate treat begins with a man of humble origins and entrepreneurial spirit, Harry Burnett “H.B.” Reese. His journey from a dairy farmer to a confectionery legend is a testament to American ingenuity.
- Full Name: Harry Burnett Reese
- Born: May 24, 1879, in Frosty Hill Farm, York County, Pennsylvania.
- Parents: Annie Belinda Manifold and Aquilla Asbury Reese Jr.
- Spouse: Blanche Edna (married in 1900).
- Career Start: Reese worked a variety of jobs, including as a farmer and a factory worker, before moving his family to Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1917 to work as a dairyman for Milton S. Hershey.
- Company Founding: He founded the H.B. Reese Candy Company in his basement in 1923, initially making a variety of candies, including chocolate-covered raisins and peppermints.
- The Breakthrough: The *Reese's Peanut Butter Cup* was introduced in 1928 and quickly became the company's most popular product.
- Post-War Focus: During World War II, due to sugar rationing, Reese discontinued his other candies to focus exclusively on the *Peanut Butter Cups*, a strategic move that cemented their place in history.
- Death: May 16, 1956.
- Company Sale: His six sons took over the business after his death and eventually sold the H.B. Reese Candy Company to The Hershey Company in 1963 for $23.5 million.
The decision by the Reese sons to sell the company to Hershey, their father's former employer, brought the iconic cup full circle, ensuring its global distribution and enduring popularity.
The History and Origin of I Love Reese's Day
I Love Reese's Day, celebrated annually on May 18th, is a relatively modern holiday, but its roots are firmly planted in fan adoration and corporate recognition. Unlike many holidays that evolve organically, this one was a deliberate creation by The Hershey Company.
How the Celebration Began
The official "I Love Reese's Day" was established in 2010. The Hershey Company sponsored an online petition to formally declare May 18th as the dedicated day, and it was overwhelmingly signed by over 40,000 enthusiastic fans. This successful petition solidified the date, turning a grassroots movement into an official annual celebration.
The Significance of May 18th
The date of May 18th was not chosen at random. It is strategically placed between two other important food holidays: *National Peanut Butter Lover's Day* in March and *National Chocolate Day* in July. This perfect mid-point timing ensures that the world's most famous chocolate and peanut butter combination gets its own spotlight, bridging the gap between its two primary ingredients.
The New Wave of Reese's: Must-Try Flavors and Products in 2025
The *Reese's* brand is constantly innovating, and the 2025 lineup is particularly exciting, demonstrating a commitment to giving fans new ways to experience the classic flavor. These fresh products provide the perfect reason to celebrate I Love Reese's Day.
1. The REESE'S and OREO® Collaboration
In a move that unites two confectionery giants, the *REESE’S* and *OREO®* brands have officially collaborated to create two highly anticipated products. This collaboration answers years of fan requests and brings a new level of indulgence to the market:
- PB&J Flavor: A bold, new cup that combines the classic *Reese's* peanut butter with a jelly-flavored swirl, capturing the nostalgic taste of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
- OREO® Flavor: The ultimate mashup, featuring a peanut butter filling mixed with *OREO®* cookie pieces, all encased in a chocolate shell.
2. Reese's Pieces Bark
Debuting in 2025, the *Reese's Pieces Bark* is a drool-worthy new candy that takes the form of miniature pieces of milk chocolate bark. The bark is generously studded with *Reese's Pieces Minis* and roasted peanuts, offering a delightful crunch and a unique texture variation on the classic cup.
3. Reese's Mini Trees and Dark Chocolate Puffs
For those who love seasonal treats or a different format, the brand is also expanding its portfolio. The *Reese's Mini Trees* offer a bite-sized version of the popular holiday shape, perfect for snacking. Additionally, the *Reese's Puffs* cereal line has unveiled its first new flavor in 30 years: a richer *Dark Chocolate* cereal made with genuine Hershey's cocoa and real *Reese's Peanut Butter*.
5 Delicious Ways to Celebrate I Love Reese's Day
Whether you're a purist who only enjoys the classic *Peanut Butter Cup* or an adventurer who tries every new flavor, May 18th is the day to indulge. Here are five unique ways to join the celebration for the 2025 holiday.
1. Host a Reese's Tasting Party
Gather friends and family to sample the full breadth of the *Reese's* portfolio. Create a flight featuring the classic cup, *Reese's Pieces*, *Reese's Take 5*, and the new *PB&J* and *OREO®* collaboration cups. You can even include the massive 8oz cup for a show-stopping centerpiece.
2. Bake a Reese's-Themed Dessert
Elevate your celebration by incorporating the candy into a homemade treat. Popular options include *Reese's Peanut Butter Cup* brownies, cookies, or a no-bake peanut butter pie topped with chopped cups. This is a perfect way to harness the power of the *peanut butter filling* in a new format.
3. Track Down Limited-Edition Products
Use I Love Reese's Day as a mission to find the most elusive and limited-edition products. In recent years, The Hershey Company has used this day to announce major fan-favorite releases, such as the winner of America's favorite peanut butter. Keep an eye on the official *Reese's* social media channels for pop-up events and exclusive giveaways.
4. Share the Love on Social Media
Join the global conversation by posting your favorite *Reese's* moment, product, or recipe using the hashtag #ILoveReesesDay. The brand often runs high-visibility campaigns and brand-led activations around this day, making it a prime time for fan engagement and potential prizes.
5. Learn the History of the H.B. Reese Candy Company
Take a moment to appreciate the man and the company that started it all. Research the early days of the *H.B. Reese Candy Company* in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Understanding the journey from a simple basement operation to a global confectionery powerhouse adds a layer of appreciation to every bite of the *Peanut Butter Cup*.
As May 18, 2025, approaches, the celebration of I Love Reese's Day promises to be a spectacular event, fueled by fan enthusiasm and a wave of inventive new products. From the timeless appeal of the original cup to the exciting new *Reese's Pieces Bark*, the legacy of H.B. Reese continues to deliver the ultimate chocolate and peanut butter experience.
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