In the later quarter of the year, retail workers unpack boxes of candy for shoppers celebrating the holidays. However, one worker reports noticing a strong chemical smell from many boxes of candy this year.
In a video with over 129,000 views, TikToker Charles Frank (@thecharlesfrank) stitches another viral TikTok by a dad who noticed that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups taste different this year.
As previously reported by The Mary Sue, the dad says that he snuck the peanut butter chocolate candy from his child’s Halloween basket. However, he was shocked when the classic candy tasted like “straight chemicals.”
Does the retail worker think the candy smells like chemicals?
In his viral stitch, Frank says he was glad he wasn’t the only one to notice the change in smell and taste of several chocolate candies this year.
“The past few months, we’ve been opening up the Halloween and Christmas candy and putting it out. I’ve been saying to my team, ‘This smells so weird,'” Frank says. “You’re opening up the boxes, and there’s a whiff of chocolate chemical-ness hitting your face.”
He insists that the candy never smelled like chemicals in previous years.
“It feels like they’re putting extra scent-y chemicals in it to make people want it more. But it’s so disgusting and smells so bad,” Frank says. “I don’t know how people are still eating this stuff.”
Despite TikTokers noticing the change in smell and taste of chocolate candies like Kit-Kat, Reese’s, and Twix, The Hershey Company previously told The Mary Sue that there were no changes to the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. However, they offer an explanation for the change in taste.
“During the holiday season, especially Halloween, some fans may have an experience tasting a variety of flavors as brands get mixed with bowls and bags. Flavors can migrate, causing unique experiences,” a spokesperson for The Hershey Company says.
The Mary Sue reached out to The Hershey Company via email for additional comment regarding the smell that Frank noticed.
Have other shoppers noticed the chemical smell?
In the comments, shoppers agree with Frank that many chocolate candies have an unpleasant smell and taste this year.
One commenter writes, “I used to be obsessed with the Hershey’s cookies and cream bars, up until 2021. Tried one and threw up it was so bad. Same with Kit Kats!”
“I had a Reese’s cup for the first time in YEARS and it tasted like Reese’s scented wax, it was so weird!” another shares.
A third agrees, writing, “Like waxy chemical taste. I had a couple at Halloween and said no thanks. They used to be one of my favorites.”
Others offer alternatives to the classic chocolate candies, which they say lack the strange new smell.
“Aldi has peanut butter cups in a bag (not individually wrapped). They taste much better than the current Reese’s. taste more like the old version,” one suggests.
“Trader Joe’s has dark chocolate peanut butter cups and they’re very very good,” a second shopper writes.
@thecharlesfrank I’ve been saying this for the last couple months!! #candy #chocolate #reese #kitkat #stitch ♬ original sound – TheCharlesFrank
The Mary Sue reached out to Frank via Instagram direct message for further comment.
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