It’s a commonly held belief that, despite all reason, different shapes of Reese’s taste differently. The reasoning goes that the ratio of peanut butter to chocolate changes the flavor, with some claiming that the classic cups are best; others picking Halloween pumpkins; and still others, Easter eggs. And now we have a new contender for first place in the Reese’s race: Reese’s Medals, the company’s first-ever seasonal summer shape honoring the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
It certainly makes sense that Reese’s normally doesn’t have summer shapes, as the unofficial motto of the company is probably “it melts in your hand if you do that.” But a new shape is always welcome to the Great Reese’s Debate, and this one is particularly fun since there’s a bunch of athletic coordination going on with the new release.
“We know that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are legendary among fans – and just like with legendary athletes – there is always room for some friendly competition to bring out the best versions of ourselves,” said Shannon Wilkinson, Reese's senior brand manager, via a press release provided to Guilty Eats. “Now, with the addition of our newcomer, Reese’s Medals, and through our collaboration with Team USA and an incredible roster of athletes, we are bringing that spirit of friendly competition to the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.”
As mentioned, tying into the new Reese’s Medals is a campaign pitting “Legend vs. Newcomer,” for a friendly competition to see how much the athletes know about each other. Included in the campaign are: Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan (Soccer); Paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long (Para Swimming); Olympic hopeful Sophia Smith (Soccer); and Paralympic hopeful Haven Shepherd (Para Swimming). TBD if the athletes will settle things by seeing how many Reese’s Medals they can eat at one sitting, but they probably won’t do that for, you know, training reasons.
However, I will do that in the comfort of my own home. In their honor. Yes, that's why I'll do that.
Reese’s Medals are available now, well in advance of the Olympics (they kick off on July 26, 2024), and come in either standard or king-size packs. Other Hershey releases tying into the games included Hershey's Kisses with “patriotic foils,” and Ice Breakers Golden Pineapple Gum and Mints.