Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins return after lawsuit

Anthony Thompson, USA TODAYThu, August 13, 2026 at 8:46 PM UTC

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Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins are returning for Halloween, nearly a year after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging Hershey misled consumers about the candy’s appearance.

The Hershey Company included Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins among its returning Halloween favorites as it unveiled its 2026 “Hersheyween” lineup, which includes more than 20 new and returning products, from chocolate and candy to salty snacks.

The lawsuit, filed in Florida, centered on Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins and several other seasonal Reese’s products, including peanut butter ghosts, bats, footballs, snowmen and bells. The plaintiffs alleged that packaging showed chocolates with detailed designs that were not present on the actual candy.

What was in the lawsuit over Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins?

Florida residents Nathan Vidal, Debra Kennick, Abdjul Martin and Eduardo Granados sued Hershey in May 2024, alleging the company engaged in “unlawful, fraudulent, unfair, misleading and/or deceptive” advertising.

Vidal said he purchased three bags of Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins in 2023 because he believed the chocolates would feature the eyes and mouth shown on the package. The lawsuit said the actual chocolates were blank.

Hershey argued that reasonable consumers would understand the images as suggestions and pointed to a “Decorating Suggestion” disclaimer on the packaging. The company also argued customers received exactly what they paid for: Reese’s candies that were not defective or inedible.

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In September 2025, U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian dismissed the case, finding the plaintiffs had not shown they suffered a financial loss from buying the products. Damian allowed the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint, but the case was dismissed.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins return for Halloween 2026

Hershey’s latest Halloween lineup identifies Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins as a “returning favorite.” The company says Reese’s is the brand of choice for 37% of consumers, while Reese’s Pumpkins are the favorite Halloween product among 22% of consumers.

The company is also introducing a Reese’s Pumpkin Bowl exclusively on Amazon, featuring 110 snack-size treats in a reusable pumpkin-shaped container.

Hershey’s broader Halloween lineup includes new Jolly Rancher gummies, KitKat Count and Witch shapes, Hershey’s Cookies ’N’ Creme Fangs and an 18-count Hershey Halloween All-Stars assortment.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins return after lawsuit

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