Oh, fellow candy aficionados, come closer let’s indulge in a tale that’s equal parts nostalgic, heartbreaking, and utterly delicious. Hershey’s, that chocolate empire that’s been melting hearts since the early 1900s, has given us timeless treasures like the classic Hershey’s Bar, the unbeatable Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and those endlessly kissable Hershey’s Kisses. But even kings err, and today we’re unwrapping one of theirs most fascinating mistakes: Hershey’s Bites. I recall my first encounter with a package of these miniature fellows at checkout little, luscious balls of chocolatey goodness that guaranteed pure snacking nirvana. Little did I know that their tale would turn out as bitter as the sweets themselves.
What draws me to this topic is the sheer humanity of it all. In a world where innovation is king, even giants like Hershey face the harsh reality of flops. These Bites weren’t just any failed experiment; they were a bold leap into convenience and variety, only to be yanked due to very real concerns. As a person who’s stashed old candy wrappers and cried over lost flavors, reliving this is a way of paying tribute to a lost friend. And besides, with more than a century of sweet victories under their belt, Hershey’s mishaps are a reminder that perfection is not about never making mistakes it’s about learning and going on. So, pour a cup of milk (or your favorite Hershey’s item), and let’s unwrap this tale with you.
It’s not a walk down memory lane; it’s a look at why some candies get us and others don’t. From choking hazards to marketplace blunders, the candy universe is as volatile as a sugar high. You’ll understand at the end why Hershey’s Bites belong in our shared candy hall of fame and perhaps even how to drum up your own campaign. After all, which one of us hasn’t had a fantasy about a revival of our favorite lost snack?
Unwrapping Hershey’s Bites: The Idea That Pledges Snacking Heaven
Hershey’s Bites made their big splash on the scene in the late 1990s, sometime in the year 1997 to be exact, as a groundbreaking spin on portionable, mess-free chocolate. Envision this: unwrapped, bite-sized chocolate balls spilling out of a large sharing bag, waiting to pop directly into your mouth. No foil to worry about, no sticky hands from unwrapping unadulterated, hassle-free indulgence. I can still remember the thrill of grabbing a bag for movie nights; it was like the future of snacking had arrived, convenient and portable for road trips, parties, or solo munching sessions.
The array was a flavor carnival set to satisfy every craving. Classic Hershey’s Bites provided that untainted milk chocolate euphoria, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Bites brought the classic peanut butter-chocolate combination in infinitesimal, irresistible balls. And then there were the creative variations: Hershey’s Pretzel Bites for salty-sweet texture, and miniature versions of cult classics such as Rolos, Kit Kats, and York Peppermint Patties. Every flavor was crafted to provide the flavor of the original but in handheld, poppable packages brilliance, isn’t it? It was as if Hershey’s had put the ecstasy of a whole candy bar in a form that you could share (hoard) with no strings attached.
What made Bites so attractive was their convenience and playfulness. Parents enjoyed the mess-free feature for children’s lunches, and adults enjoyed the illusion of portion control although let’s be real, one handful usually turned into three. The bags were large to the point, ideal for parties, and rotated seasonally to ensure things stayed interesting. In an age of unlimited snacking invention, Bites were ahead of their time, pushing the boundary between full-size indulgences and convenience nibbles. It’s little wonder that they became a fast favorite; they weren’t candy exactly they were a lifestyle enhancement.
Key Features of Hershey’s Bites:
- Unwrapped for convenient, mess-free snacking.
- Range of flavors such as Reese’s, Pretzel, and mini originals.
- Party-worthy Shareable bags for parties or solo indulgence.
The Rise and Sudden Fall: From Fan Favorite to Safety Scare
Hershey’s Bites were off the charts popular in their prime from 1997 to the mid-2000s, winning over candy fans with their genius packaging and dead-on flavors. Reese’s Peanut Butter Bites specifically were a standout, bringing that chocolatey, creamy perfection in a shape so ideal for senseless snacking during long car rides or movie nights. I recall passing a bag around with friends at a tailgate; the way they bounced around like little jewels made eating feel fun and social. Sales were robust, and the line grew to offer several varieties, and Hershey’s seemed to have struck gold so it was thought.
But things took a turn about 2007 when murmurs of dismay became a scream. Parents were expressing fears about the small, round shape of the Bites, particularly the Reese’s ones, believing they were a choking risk for toddlers. Children, with their limitless energy and natural tendency to pop things whole, might find it easy to swallow these bite-sized smooth balls whole without adequate chewing. It was more than speculation; genuine concerns arose, amplified by the media and internet postings, and making a tasty treat a potential source of parental terror. Hershey, which values safety above all else, couldn’t afford to ignore it after all, in the candy industry, trust is paramount.
Reese’s Bites were the first to be discontinued in 2007, and the whole line followed in 2008. Low sales and competition certainly contributed, but the choking hazard was the undeniable spark. Hershey acted quickly and firmly, withdrawing the product to insure the safety of consumers. It’s a harsh lesson in the business: even a success can fail if it puts lives at risk, even in small numbers. Today, the same worries persist with items such as Hershey’s Drops, but Bites felt the worst of it. Their withdrawal created an absence, but it highlighted Hershey’s dedication to responsibility rather than revenue.
Reasons for Discontinuation:
- Primary: Concerns about choking among children based on small, round size.
- Secondary: Lesser popularity compared to established products Reese’s.
- Timeline: Reese’s Bites discontinued in 2007; entire line discontinued by 2008.
The Heartbreak of Reese’s Peanut Butter Bites: A Closer Look at the Star
Of all the Bites family members, the star was Reese’s Peanut Butter Bites, a little wonder that distilled the spirit of the original Peanut Butter Cup into poppable perfection. Released in Bites form, the spherical treats were characterized by their creamy peanut butter core covered in silky milk chocolate, all packaged in an easy-to-carry, unwrapped bag. I loved them for road trips the way they’d melt just so in your hand without a fuss, providing that quintessential Reese’s balance of taste in every bite. They weren’t merely a snack; they were a hug from childhood that you could take on the go.
Their phased-out disappearance in 2007 struck hardest, marrying strangulation fears with disappointing sales compared to behemoths such as Peanut Butter Cups and Pieces. The compact size, brilliant in adults, was a recipe for disaster among tots, causing public outcry. Hershey moved swiftly, but enthusiasts were heartbroken. Even now, Reddit forums and X posts are filled with nostalgia, people reminiscing about movie theater plunder or late-night marathons. One reviewer remembered them as “the best Reese’s ever,” a view shared throughout boards.
Ingredients were unadorned yet heavenly: milk chocolate, partially defatted peanuts, sugar, vegetable oils, and nonfat milk, weighing in at around 203 calories per 16-piece serving with a 12g fat, 22g carb, and 4.4g protein balance. It was excess-free indulgence, but safety over sweetness. Although long gone, their legacy begets imitators and yearning, testifying that true love for an indulgence lasts.
The lack hurts, but it speaks to Reese’s timeless popularity honed in H.B. Reese’s 1928 innovation, a template for Bites’ fleeting greatness. In pursuit of the “best” Reese’s, Bites were a contender, marrying old-school comfort with new-school convenience.
Reese’s Bites Highlights:
- Smooth PB-chocolate center in bite-sized heaven.
- Nutritional snapshot: Guilt-free macros in perfect balance.
- Fan favorites: Share or enjoy alone.
Echoes of Longing: The Petition and Fan Nostalgia
Even years on, the gap Hershey’s Bites left feeds passionate fandom, with a Change.org petition calling for the return of Reese’s Bites. Started as a rallying cry, it reached approximately 1,000 signatures by 2023, falling short of the 1,500 target but powerful in emotion. Comments are full of sorrow: one signer lamented the “choking hazard” destiny, another wrote sonnets about childhood memories. It’s an online wail from candy hearts, demonstrating Bites’ reach went further than store shelves.
On sites such as X and Reddit, nostalgia is inescapable threads between 2022 and 2024 nostalgic for their poppability, users lamenting why such treats continue to exist in similar forms like Gobstoppers. One X user in 2022 referred to them as a “dream” re-rediscovered, instigating threads of communal mourning. This internet grieving is not merely ranting; it’s a phenomenon, reflecting how snacks become part of our narratives.
Petitions such as this pinpoint candy’s cultural influence fans are not merely shoppers; they’re supporters. Though Hershey remains unmoved, the buzz keeps alive the memory, evidence of Bites’ lasting appeal. Who knows? Enough voices could potentially make sweet the offer of a comeback.
Petition and Fan Buzz:
- Change.org campaign: ~1,000 signatures through 2023, lobbying for return.
- Social sentiments: Reddit/X forums with “bring them back” entreaties.
- Lasting legacy: From choking controversy to nostalgic memories.
A Glimmer of Hope: Contemporary Twists and Web Availability
While the originals disappeared, Hershey’s has not completely abandoned the Bites idea. In a shrewd shift, some varieties came back online through their store, providing a lifeline for die-hards. As of 2025, you can get your Milk Chocolate Cookie Bites, Cookies ‘N’ Creme Cookie Bites, and Milk Chocolate Pretzel Bites in 1.8-oz tubes or 7.5-oz bags not the entire OG assortment, but a retro tribute without the concern over hazards. I bought a bag last month; the crunch is perfect, evoking road-trip memories without the guilt.
These aren’t the same as the 2000s versions no Reese’s, no mini Kit Kats but they take the concept and make it work for today’s market, with cookie and pretzel centers coated in chocolate. They debuted sometime around 2020 and are marketed as snack-sized treats, sold across the country for roughly $2.19. It’s Hershey’s way of dipping their toes in, combining classic charm and modern safety.
For the purists who miss the classics, this is a tease near, but not quite. But it brings hope: maybe fan demand might open up new flavors. Until then, these web-only exclusives preserve the Bites spirit, a sweet appeasement in a world of discontinued products.
Current Online Offerings:
- Flavors: Milk Chocolate Cookie, Cookies ‘N’ Creme Cookie, Pretzel Bites.
- Formats: Tubes or bags, reasonably priced.
- Availability: Straight from Hershey’s website, nationwide shipping.
DIY Delights: Copycat Recipes Made at Home to Recapture the Enchantment
Not waiting for a possible return? Get out your inner chocolatier with a do-it-yourself Reese’s Bites knockoff it’s simpler than you’d imagine and oh-so-fulfilling. Melt milk chocolate with wafers to create a silky base. Blend peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chopped peanuts for the filling rich with texture. Spoon chocolate into mini muffin cups, add the PB blob, top with additional chocolate, and refrigerate for hours. Voila: retro bites revisited!
This recipe makes approximately 24 pieces, adaptable to add-ins such as sea salt or additional nuts. It’s a great beginner recipe, utilizing staples from your pantry, and gives you that 2007 experience without the risk. I made a batch on the weekend; the first bite sent me back, without the anxiety. Share with friends or keep for movie nights it’s therapy in treat form.
Aside from Reese’s, make over for other Bites flavors: pretzel bits for savory or cookie crumbles for crunch. It’s empowering, loss transformed into creation, and demonstrates fan love can DIY a revival.
Copycat Recipe Steps:
- Melt chocolate base; mix PB filling.
- Layer in molds; chill to set.
- Yields: 24 bites, ~200 calories per serving.
The Sweet Graveyard: Other Discontinued Hershey’s Treasures We Miss
Hershey’s Bites are not the only ones in the retired hall; the “Sweet Graveyard” is filled with overlooked gems that were too good for this world. Consider Cherry Blossom, a Canadian classic from the 1890s with maraschino cherry, peanuts, and chocolate purchased by Hershey in 1989, it melted over weeks for perfection but made its exit in 2025 after U.S. production changes. Fans lament its time-consuming legacy, a true labor of love.
And then there’s the 1920s Milkshake Bar, a frozen malted nougat-caramel-chocolate flavor that spawned Milky Way Hershey acquired it in 1996 but discontinued it for cannibalizing Payday and Zero. Bar None (1987-1997) stacked wafers, peanuts, and chocolate cream; a 1992 caramel reworking alienated enthusiasts, and it died a resuscitation by Iconic Candy in 2019 showing that the classics don’t go out of style.
Thingamajig (2009-2012), cocoa crisps and PB creme as Whatchamacallit cousins, sold through comparisons but not alone reintro’d as Whozeewhatzit in 2020. Hershey’s Gold (2017-2020), cocoa-free caramelized creme with peanuts and pretzels branded to 2018 Olympics, lasted three years only despite loyalists calling it “favorite ever.”
Notable Discontinued Hershey’s Candies:
- Cherry Blossom: 1890s cherry-peanut treat, vanished 2025.
- Milkshake Bar: Frozen malted concept behind Milky Way, cut 1996.
- Bar None: Wafer-peanut layers, re-formulated to failure 1997; resurrected 2019.
- TasteTations: Hard candy introduction, outdone 2002.
- Swoops: Pringles-shaped slices, expensive packaging issues 2006.
Lessons from the Graveyard: Innovation, Safety, and the Candy Quest
Strolling Hershey’s Sweet Graveyard unveils the candy business’ harsh realities: innovation’s hazardous, safety’s imperative, and timing is everything. Choking fate of Bites recalls Kissables’ formula debacle public trust overrules trends. Slumping sales sent TasteTations and Swoops crashing, but similarities consigned Milkshake Bar to death. Revivals like Thingamajig’s Whozeewhatzit demonstrate adaptability triumphs, however.
Health changes eliminate artificials, pop culture drives (Olympic Gold), but novelties such as Air Delight tank if gimmicky. Hershey walks the line between tradition and risk, paying homage to Reese’s 1928 heritage while pursuing the “next big thing.” It’s an active waltz some disappear, but memories (and petitions) last.
This merry-go-round spurs the search: what crazy treat lies in wait? From Bites’ Web reverberations to Gold’s sparkly farewell, it’s a sweet story of highs and lows and perpetual crave.
Industry Insights:
- Safety first: Dangers such as Bites’ width stop hits.
- Innovation pitfalls: Reformulations (Kissables) or similarities (Milkshake) are fatal.
- Revival potential: Fan affection brings back (Bar None, Thingamajig).
- Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of Forgotten Sweets and What’s Coming Next
From Bites’ fleeting brilliance to Graveyard’s haunted gang, Hershey’s retired stories are a candy confessional abundant with passion, pitfalls, and unadulterated nostalgia. These sweets weren’t snacks; they were snapshots of bliss, ranging from road-trip Reese’s to campfire S’mores fantasies. Although departed, they remain in pleas, imitators, and cravings, confirming sweetness endures.
