Hershey's Bar With Creamy Peanut Butter: Something's Going On Here [moved from DC/Baltimore board]

[Sean D]

Hey Folks,

I need some feedback from the community because I'm having one of those moments when I need to know if others have experienced the same thing. Here's the deal:

About 3 months ago, I just happened to walking down the aisle of a 7-Eleven store in my neighborhood in Kensington, MD when I saw something new - a king size Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar Filled With Creamy Peanut Butter. I'm not even the biggest Reese's fan. (I find the Reese's peanut butter to be too gritty and too salty.) But, this was interesting because of the sleek, thin form factor. It was the shape and size of all of the other Hershey's king size bars. It all made me curious enough to purchase one and take it home.

After I got home, I pulled the wrapper off and was initially disappointed to see what looked like an ordinary milk chocolate bar. (I thought that because of the thinness, it couldn't have much of a filling.) But, then I bit into it...and I was a convert. I found the mixture of the Hershey's milk chocolate and the very smooth, lightly salty peanut butter to be extremely well balanced. For me, its a much more refined version of the classic Reese's combination.

So, what's the problem? I can't find these anywhere, but the one 7-Eleven store near my home! I mean it. In the last 3 months, I've been into easily 20 different 7-Elevens and none of them have them. In fact, whenever I've asked about them the clerks think I'm nuts. (No pun intended.) I've also looked at various stores, including CVS, RiteAid, Giant, Safeway, Shoppers Food, etc.

OK...at this point, I'm sure that some of you think I haven't really looked hard enough. So did I. So, I logged onto the Hershey's website to try to find out some more about the product.

Guess what? There is NOTHING about these on the Hershey's website...and I mean nothing. No pics, no product description....nada!

So, I did Google and Bing searches. Again....NOTHING! The closest result I get is the Hershey's Reese's Cup.

So, my friends...there's definitely something weird going on. Just to show I'm not hallucinating, I've attached a pic of the product.

I'm guessing that this could be some sort of ultra-low profile, test marketing effort.

I'd be curious to see if anyone else has seen these. Thanks!

[khollembeak]

You are not crazy! I'm so glad someone else has experienced the same thing as I!
The difference is, I got mine in Wisconsin at a BP gas station and Walmart.
No one believes me! And this bar was better than Reeces and better than Ghiradelli!

[kedunn]

It is probably just a test-product that Hershey's markets in limited stores to see whether people will be interested in it.

[jackie2830]

Sean, how horrible!!!!!!!! I really hate when that happens! You seize the end of your rainbow, & the clouds come out. I hope for all the time & energy you put into this search, they offered to mail you a box of that gold. Does this mean this is the end of the line for the thread? BTW, I bookmarked that offering from Yayadave.........can you imagine, a slice of that chocolate covered PB concoction on a plate......eaten with a fork & knife like Mr. Pitts did on Seinfeld? Or in the palm of your hand so your temperature would melt it..........STOP ME.......I'm going into that chocolate coma now. [I am definitely a melted chocolate lover]. A slab of that might bring you some solace Sean.......if only it were dark chocolate! I wish you luck with your candymaking. Candymaking/breadbaking.....true arts! Count me in on the "SCC" if it comes to Buffalo, New York!

[Sean D]

Yeah Jackie...sometimes there is no justice in this world! The reason for this thread is no more. However, I don't think this is the last word on the burning peanut butter/chocolate dilemma. :)

You're in Buffalo? What part? I went to school at SUNY Geneseo. I have lots of friends all over the Buffalo-Rochester area.

[yayadave]

Maybe the "last gasp" of this thread should be that you send a copy to their customer service or test kitchen or whomever to let them know that there are people out here who are interested in a return of this product. Who knows ....?

[alkapal]

yaya, great idea!

[jackie2830]

Sean, I actually live in a little town called Cheektowaga - "land of the crabapple"., about 75 miles west of Rochester. Most people are familiar with our big airport & I'm about 1/2 mile from the Buffalo border. We're home to the Bills & Sabres. I go to Rochester a lot for my job - nice city. Been past Geneseo frequently job related as well.........beautiful area, close to Letchworth & the beautiful finger lakes. Are you a teacher? Where do you live, NYC?
PEANUT BUTTER & CHOCOLATE FOREVER!!!!!!!

[Sean D]

Hey Jackie, yes I know Cheektowaga and it seemed like every 5th person I knew at school went there. My roommate was from Medina and we spent a lot of time exploring the little villages all over that part of NY.

No, I'm not a teacher...though, I can understand why you might assume that. (Geneseo is still thought of as a normal school/teachers college by many.) I'm actually an engineering consultant now. I live in Kensington, MD - not NYC. This is about 4 miles north of Washington, DC.

HERSHEY WITH CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER LIVES!!!

[jackie2830]

Wow, I am always surprised @ how our lives touch.........it was so nice to hear your comments about my hometown!
I have a sister-in-law who's family owned a farm [Smith's] in Medina......most people in that area knew it......not only did they have produce, they had an ice cream stand, the best local fresh baked goods, and a petting zoo with Llamas. Sounds like you hooked up with a country friend while in school. Great memories for you I bet! Engineering.....much better career. Thanks for sharing!

[yayadave]

If you get on their mailing list, there may be an occasional "special offer." The free shipping before Easter was nice.

[Sean D]

That's a capital idea, Yayadave. Will do. Maybe a grassroots Bring Back Hershey's With Creamy Peanut Butter movement will sprout up! lol

Thanks!

[jackie2830]

I bookmarked & will go back to sign up! Thanks!

[Sean D]

MYSTERY SOLVED!!!!

I took the advice of one poster and called Hershey's consumer's line. This actually wasn't as easy as you may think. It took a while to get through and even after I explained what I was looking for, the lady on the other end was clueless. She had to put me on hold about 3 times, while she made various inquiries. But, I finally got the answer. Here it is:

The Hershey Bar Filled With Creamy Peanut Butter was officially discontinued on June 1, 2009. On that date, production ceased and there are no plans to make anymore in the future. The product that we've been finding is the last bit of stock they are releasing to the public.

The 4.25 oz. Reese's Bar that we found is officially a "limited edition" product. It has been in limited production for months, but production will cease next month. While there are no specific plans to produce it again, as a limited edition product it can be resurrected at any time.

Well folks, that's it.

I finally find a chocolate & peanut candy that I really love, and they bork it! :::::sigh::::

Well...it was nice while it lasted. :)

[alkapal]

shows you how crappy their marketing is, that everyone is ga-ga about finding this rare and delicious gem, and they have to discontinue it (presumably from lack of sales....).

D'OH!

[Sean D]

You said it, Alkapal. Then again, there is a big tradition of this in corporate America. (I'm still perturbed that Ben and Jerry's cancelled Black and Tan!!)

[iluvtennis]

Well, this has been an interesting read and sad to see it come to an unhappy ending! Maybe you'll find something even better soon.

[yayadave]

I enjoyed reading this thread. I have no idea what Hershey is up to. Sounds a lot like a marketing pilot. But look at what these folks are doing. And they make quality chocolate.

http://sarriscandies.com/view_details.asp?id=0000084
http://sarriscandies.com/view_details...

[alkapal]

i looked for what i thought was a sarris chocolate product, a "double krunch" chocolate mini-bar with coconut. i didn't find it, though, so i'm wondering if it is the right manufacturer. whoever makes it, it is awesome!

[alkapal]

ZITNER'S makes the candy i was thinking of: butter krak and double coconut krak. (i think the krak name precedes the slang "crack" -- but maybe the effect of these candies belies that assumption).

apparently the krak "eggs" are only for easter, and the company's website is just a placeholder right now, and there's no real info there except address and phone. http://zitners.com/

if i lived in philly, i'd find out about their entire line of candies, because there probably is some type of choco-covered coconutty confection that's available year-round. (then again, i might look like a truck if i found them).

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/cookery/them/zitners/index.htm
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2005-03-24/food.shtml
http://www.philly.com/philly/business...

[kattyeyes]

LOL re "krak"...and I needed a chuckle, so thanks! Or maybe "krak" is a German word for chocolate tastiness! Think about Hershey's Krackel...of course, that's more like "Snap, crackle and pop!" than "Crack kills!" ;)

[pacheeseguy]

I prefer a little glob of Jiff on top my dark chocolate Wilbur bud.

[jujuthomas]

I saw the elusive Hershey/PB bar in a Sheetz IN Clarks Summit, PA (just north of Scranton!) I did NOT purchase, due to my almost-at-goal Weight Watchers status and the birthday party we were heading to. But I did see it - and I'm hoping it becomes more widely available so that I can indulge in one soon! it sounds so good.

[Sean D]

Jackie, Katty, & Courtney, I'm blessed in my life to be surrounded by so many wonderful ladies of good taste! (Present company definitely included.) :)

This weekend, I found myself in an incredible store in Wheaton, buying chocolate molds. I later went to Trader Joe's to buy some PoundPlus chocolate bars. This week, I'm going to experiment a bit. I think I'm putting the 72% dark chocolate on the shell, with a chocolate truffle filling. I'm also going to try to create some sort of peanut butter truffle-like filling.

I wish there were something like a Sunday chocolate club in this area. We meet, bring our best homemade chocolate creations, sip good coffee or dessert wine, and slip off into deep sugar comas. lol

[greygarious]

Go to the Home Cooking Board and read up on Oreo Truffles - basically, cream cheese blended with crushed cookies then rolled into balls and dipped into chocolate. You can make a variation with peanut butter sandwich cookies (or unfilled cookies ground and mixed with peanut butter).

[kattyeyes]

Me, too. I've never even made my own chocolates (other than fudge), but you could count me in if we were neighbors! ;)

[Sean D]

Thanks Juju. This past weekend, I spotted the Reese version of this bar in a Giant Food store. I'm beginning to think that there is ongoing test marketing to determine which of the two versions the public wants more.

[jackie2830]

And Sean..............no wonder your aunt is an artist..........she munched on heaven as she wielded her brush.........what else would put one into sublime creativity than a piece of chocolate!
Also wanted to add that it made my day to see you & Alkapal respond to my reply!

[jackie2830]

Yes indeed Sean, I do have you pegged! And, like most addictive albeit charasmatic personalities, I found myself......EYEING THAT DAMN "IMPULSE AISLE" on my way through check out @ the grocery store. I thought to myself, "that guy has gotten to me".......as I smiled of course! And I'm sure thanks to vous I will continue to do so!
I agree it is sooooooooo nice of you to make something so wonderful for your aunt........need another one? And I agree with you, it's dark chocolate allllllllllllllllllllll the way!
I have to say that some of the best peanut butter filled chocolate covered candies I have eaten have been sugar free......you know the story, they take out the sugar & increase the fat.....must be why I like them......I am a proud member of the original "BUTTERTON" family & have a stent to prove it!
And Alkapal, sorry to say I missed those Halloween Reeses........but I do feel empty when Easter is over. Hey, have you guys tried the Lindt peanut butter truffles? Lindt is my favorite candy.

[kattyeyes]

Yes, indeed! Lindt PB truffles are the first truffles to go when we have an assortment hanging out in the candy basket, followed next by the white chocolate truffles. :) I love the creamy filling!

[courtneycameron]

okay, I created an account for this site just so that I could tell you that I've had the Hershey Bar with Peanut Butter before, and I also have never been able to find it again!
I've checked everywhere, WalMart, Shoppers Drug Mart, 7-11, grocery stores, Target, Meijer.. everywhere!
The first time I had it, I just randomly happened to find one in this charity fundraiser box that had various chocolate bars in, which someone had brought into work..

[kattyeyes]

That is too funny that the mysterious Hershey Bar with Peanut Butter led you to Chowhound. Stick around...it's as addictive as chocolate and peanut butter. Welcome to the neighborhood! :)

[cavandre]

Ever since I had a Newman's Own peanut butter cup, Reese's just don't cut it anymore.

[jackie2830]

Sean, I could say you spend farrrrrrrrrrrr too much time cruising the candy aisles, but then I love a man who has that kind of tenacity regarding chocolates!
Wish you luck, & as I always say, when all else fails use Ma Bell.........call `em up!
I also agree with Alkapal............Easter eggs do have the best ratio!

[alkapal]

YESSSSS! another reese's easter egg aficionado! now, the test....do you like the nutrageous "fun size" the best, and do you lament when they're only sold at halloween? ;-).

[Sean D]

Jackie, you are obviously an astute and worldly person. You've got me pegged! :) Bless your heart.

[Sean D]

Jackie, I thought this might make you laugh. My aunt is a somewhat famous artist in California. In recent years, her health has declined and she is mostly bedridden now. I recently asked her daughter if there was something I could send her that she would enjoy. (I offered the examples of a book, flowers, fruit, or something homemade...like my chocolates, or my pumpkin bread.) The email shot right back with "SHE LOVES CHOCOLATE". So, guess what I'm making for my dear aunt this weekend? This whole search has inspired me to create a dark chocolate/peanut butter truffle.

Like I said, you have me pegged! :)

[kattyeyes]

That is a totally sweet and wonderful idea, my peanut-butter lovin' buddy! You're going to make your auntie's day in a big way!

[Sean D]

OK...now I know that something is REALLY going on!!! Yesterday, I was in the CVS store in Kensington, MD, which is just about 100 feet from that 7-Eleven that I found the Hershey's bar in. No...I didn't find any of those mysterious Hershey bars with peanut butter, BUT I did find something else that I had never seen - a thin Reese's milk chocolate bar filled with peanut butter. No...this isn't one of the many Reese's candy bar products that have appeared in recent months. This is something that is not listed on the Hershey's site. (Sound familiar?)

I bought on of these and took it home. It was a family-sized bar - 4.25 oz. The form factor was similar to that of the Hershey's peanut butter bar - same thickness and the same sized squares. However, this bar had a different layout - 3 squares x 4 squares. (The other bar is 1 square x 6 squares.) It's like they are using the same sort of building block for both bars.

There was also another big difference - the peanut butter filling. This bar definitely used the grittier, saltier filling used in the Reese's cup - not the smoother, less salty stuff in the Hershey bar. (I still think the Hershey bar version is better.)

Thanks to Goodhealthgourmet's post, I now had another resource to check on this product - Candyblog. I found this posting:

http://www.typetive.com/candyblog/ite...

I'm going to contact Hershey. I have a hunch that we're a test market for this product.

[Blush]

We've had the Reese's bar here for a few months (London, Ontario, Canada), though I've only ever seen it at Wal-mart and at one of the dollar stores (not that I was really looking for it). I actually like this bar better than the Reese's cups simply because there's more chocolate.

[maplesugar]

I was curious, because here Hershey's seems to have been revamping their line and apparently they do limited edition flavors, sadly no mention of the peanut butter version but they're now running Black Cherry Almond and Mixed Nuts. http://www.hersheycanada.com/en/newan...

[Sean D]

Maple, this reminds me of all of the varieties of Cadbury and Nestle that we don't get in the U.S.. I wonder why we can't get Black Cherry and Almond here. Especially when everyone seems to be selling these putrid chili-infused dark chocolates everywhere. YUCK!

[rworange]

Why not contact Hershey's and ask
http://www.hersheys.com/contactus/

[shoelace]

i had a similar experience with a hershey bar with peanuts in it, saw them once at a 7-11 and at an amazing savings next door to that 7-11 and never again

noones heard of them, and they dont seem to exist, frustrating bc they were the prefect combo of peanut and hershey chocolate, never liked mr goodbar bc there were too many peanuts in too tiny pieces and the chocolate always tasted not right, but this was incredible

[RoxyB]

Hershey's kisses (or any chocolate on hand) + jar of favorite peanut butter = heaven!

And you can adjust the chocolate/peanut butter ratio as desired...

[Sean D]

Roxy, that does sound wonderful. Here is something that will make you all think I'm a bit whacked. Take a Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Spread smooth peanut butter over one side. Then, pour a dash of Liquid Smoke over every bite. It has to be experienced to be believed.

[goodhealthgourmet]

nothing wacky about it...same concept as sprinkling smoked sea salt on there. yum :)

[Sean D]

Thanks for turning me onto that Goodhealthgourmet. I've never used smoked sea salt for anything. Where do you buy it?

[goodhealthgourmet]

it used to be available only at specialty shops and through online purveyors, but these days you can find it at more mainstream places. some Whole Foods Markets carry it in the spice section.

BTW, i meant to post this last night...try sprinkling some crushed pretzels on there. you'll thank me ;)

[kattyeyes]

Just revisited this thread as I'd like to try the Dove bites with PB.

On the topic of pretzels, it so happens the store in the building where I work has large jars of Munson's treats from which you can pick and choose. Never having tried a chocolate-dipped pretzel, I couldn't resist one not only dipped in chocolate, but covered in nonpareils! The whole sweet/salty thing is a total hit. Yummmmmm!

[gfr1111]

Vosges makes a chocolate bar with smoked sea salt. It's pretty good and a flavor combo which I would never have dreamed of.

[Bluebird]

Lindt makes a bar with just sea salt. I thought it was missing something when I tried it and now I know what.. smoke!

[RoxyB]

I must confess, Sean, I've never played with Liquid Smoke. What else is it good for (on, with, in... pick a preposition)?

[Sean D]

Roxy, I think that the original intention of Liquid Smoke was to provide smoked/BBQ flavor to meats when you couldn't actually smoke or grill. I've used it on oven-cooked (baked or broiled) pork or beef. It also makes an enormous difference in baked beans, stew, or any southwestern meat dish. (Any recipe that requires a hamhock - such as bean soup - can benefit from Liquid Smoke.) The stuff is very potent. That's why it may seem a little weird to pour a dash on a single bite of chocolate/peanut butter. :)

[spellweaver16]

I can vouch for how liquid smoke can really make some baked beans awesome :) My dad and I were getting ready for Thanksgiving and he was making beans and we tasted them and stood over the pot humming and hmming because they just needed SOMEthing. Then we spotted the liquid smoke, and the beans were fantastic! Just one of those father/daughter moments lol

[RoxyB]

Interesting... might perk up a veggie burger. Will consider it.

[goodhealthgourmet]

found a couple of blog reviews, though you seem to like it more than they do:

http://www.typetive.com/candyblog/item/hersheys_milk_chocolate_filled_with_creamy_peanut_butter/
http://www.candysnob.com/archives/200...

the next time you're at that particular 7-Eleven, why not ask them where they get them (i.e. who their distributor is)?

BTW, Ghirardelli came out with peanut butter-filled milk chocolate squares within the past year. perhaps Hershey's decided they couldn't compete...?

[chicken kabob]

Slightly off topic, however, I would like to give an honorable mention (discovered yesterday) to the REESES BIG CUP. It is a single, giant pb cup, which is amazing...something about the thickness adds to the intensity/indulgence factor.

[Sean D]

Absolutely, Chicky. The Reeses Big Cup is totally righteous! Though, it has the same things that I don't like in the regular Reeses Cup - gritty and overly salty peanut butter.

[alkapal]

they've changed their formula -- reese's used to taste better. still, for a fix, the best "size" is the reese's easter egg -- optimal choc-pb ratio.

[shoelace]

the only reason u think taht is that u obviously didnt taste the reeses chocolate peanut butter valentines day heart, perfect

[Sean D]

I asked the manager of that 7-Eleven store about it last month. He had no clue. In fact, he thought that all 7-Elevens got the same stuff he did.

I've had the Ghirardelli. Very nice product, but Ghirardelli is relatively hard to find. The surprising thing about the Hershey is that its pretty ubiquitous. I'm not too sure that this is a case of Hershey surrender. I've never seen this Hershey product before...anywhere. I travel quite a bit and haven't seen it anywhere else in the country. My hunch is that this is something that has been re-launched since its initial introduction.

Thanks for the links!

[Mer_Made]

I use to work for 7-11, and sometimes the warehouse would just substitute items. Who ever stocked your candy probably just swore, because they didn't get what they ordered and put it up.

[Sean D]

That would explain a lot, MerMade. Thanks!

[kattyeyes]

Sean, fellow chocolate/peanut butter lover here from CT. I love the Ghirardelli squares--I've found them at Marshall's AND the supermarket. But even better still, should you ever visit CT are Munson's chocolates with the peanut butter centers. I try to restrain myself, but I love to pick up a little bag of 'em just for me. Yum!
http://www.munsonschocolates.com/

I'll keep an eye out for the hallucinogenic Hershey bars. ;)

[Sean D]

Thanks Katty. You've got me drooling over the Munson's!

[kattyeyes]

Thinking of this thread, I cruised the candy aisle this morning and noticed Ghirardelli makes a chocolate BAR filled with peanut butter (a la those bags of squares). Have you seen those? These were at Stop & Shop. None of "your" Hershey bars in sight, tho'. I notice Dove also makes a specialty bar, but they've got crunch in their peanut butter and I'm a smooth kid.

[gfr1111]

kattyeyes,
Thanks for the website referral. However, I couldn't find the chocolates with peanut butter centers anywhere. All I could find were assortment collections that did not list peanut butter centers, but maybe a few of them were peanut butter centers, since not every flavor was listed. I even did a search on the Munson's website and found chocolate fudge with a peanut butter layer, but nothing else.

Is there a way to order the Munson's chocolates with a peanut butter center, or do you just have to order an assortment box and a few of the chocolates in there will have a chocolate/peanut butter center? Thanks!

[kattyeyes]

Okeydoke, I just gave one of the local Munson's stores a ring. Here's the scoop. I see you're in Florida. Shipping chocolates to you right about now would be a bad idea (there are warm weather shipping charges)...and it wouldn't be an ideal time for chocolate to travel. HOWEVER, once it's below 70 degrees in your neck of the woods, you can give this toll-free number a call and order up your own box of chocolates with peanut butter centers: 1-888-686-7667. The girl I spoke to asked if it needed to be a fancy/gift box. I didn't know for sure, but am assuming these are just for you and having them shipped is "gifty" enough that you weren't looking for a special box. ;) I know it'll be a while before it cools off in Florida, but it can be something to look forward to in the fall or winter.

Munson's Chocolates
1-888-686-7667

These are, hands down, my favorite peanut butter-filled chocolate treats anywhere. The peanut butter filling is oh so creamy wonderful! I hope you will have a chance to enjoy them.

Here are all the store locations in CT:
http://www.munsonschocolates.com/stor...

One of the locations is at Foxwoods (the largest casino in the world), so if anyone in your life is heading that way, you can make a special request.

[alkapal]

fyi, bless you kat-girl. it doesn't cool down in s. fla.(at least) 'til october. but...n.fla.... it's a bit earlier, for sure...

[bushwickgirl]

I'm a little late(!) to this post. I remember Munson's from the early 70's, when they had the one store in Bolton. We would stop and get one of this, one of that. Didn't have much money in those days but they would sell you one piece if that's all you could afford. The aroma in that store!! They had chocolate covered pickles then, a sweet gherkin concoction, a little chewy pickle, that was weird but you couldn't look away, if you know what I mean.
I used to go to the store in the Civic Center (then) in Hartford, circa mid-80"s and get dark chocolate dipped candied orange peel. Delicious. I'm glad Munson's has done so well over the years.
Thanks for the memories!

[kattyeyes]

Oooh, neat--one Munson's-lovin' black kat to another in the good ol' Land of Steady Habits. I remember the store in the old Civic Center, too. I don't remember the chocolate-covered pickles, though. Clearly they were ahead of their time in the let's-dip-something-strange-in-chocolate category! I don't think they make those anymore. ;)

[bushwickgirl]

Yea, the chocolate covered pickles never made it to the Civic Center.
I sorry to say I never asked about the origins of the idea behind the pickle, we were just blown away by the concept.
Unfortunately, I don't live in CT anymore, miss it terribly, and have been reduced to eating Mounds bars these days.

[kattyeyes]

No, no--you have Jacques Torres in DUMBO! I can't feel sorry for you. ;) Go see him and have a delicious fix. Try the Alize hearts of passion!
http://mrchocolate.com/

[bushwickgirl]

Oh, absolutely I know about his shops. I'm a little disabled now so it's hard to get around but maybe I could get the DH to go...he loves chocolate, too.
I didn't mean to imply that there's aren't wonderful chocolate sources in NY, just nothing close to my house. Thanks for the Alize tip, I would like nothing better than a BIG box!
Love to the black cat. Mine is named Cocoa, of course.

[kattyeyes]

Not to worry--I think having wonderful chocolate sources close to home can be dangerous. Take it from someone who just had a great little shop open up right downtown. I hope your DH gets to Mr. Chocolate very soon. :) Love right back to Cocoa (how appropriate!). Mine is April, a.k.a. Queenie.

[panarosmith]

Trader Joe's brand milk chocolate peanut butter cups are by far my favorite. I can't stay away from them so I rarely bring them home..but I do lust after them.