The Sweet History of M&M's: A Chocolate Legend

M&M's have become one of the most recognizable and beloved candies around the world. But how did these colourful chocolate treats come to be? Let's take a journey through the sweet history of M&M's.

The Birth of M&M's

The origins of M&M's date back to the early 1940s. During World War II, soldiers faced challenges in transporting chocolate in warm climates, where it could easily melt. Forrest Mars, the son of the founder of the Mars Company, and Bruce Murrie, son of Hershey Chocolate's founder, collaborated to create a chocolate candy that could withstand the rigors of travel. Their idea was simple yet revolutionary: encase chocolate in a hard sugar shell to prevent it from melting.

In 1941, Mars and Murrie received the patent for M&M's, which stands for "Mars & Murrie." The first production of M&M's began that same year, with the original colours being brown, yellow, red, green, and violet.

The Launch and Popularity

M&M's were initially sold to the military, with the U.S. Army distributing them as a part of soldiers' rations. This strategy helped the candy gain popularity, and by the end of World War II, M&M's had made their way to the civilian market.

In 1945, M&M's were officially introduced to the general public, and their unique selling point “melts in your mouth, not in your hand” began to resonate with consumers. The candy was marketed as a suitable treat for both children and adults, quickly gaining a loyal following.

Colourful Evolution

Throughout the ensuing decades, M&M's continued to evolve. In 1954, the company introduced the iconic peanut M&M's that featured a crunchy peanuts core encased in chocolate and the famous candy shell - expanding their product line and attracting even more fans. In 1960, the classic red M&M's were temporarily replaced by orange ones due to a health scare concerning red dye. However, red M&M's made their triumphant return in 1987, reclaiming their place in the mix.

The 1980s also saw the introduction of additional flavours, such as almond, pretzel, crispy, and more, allowing the brand to cater to an even wider audience.

Conclusion

M&M's journey from a practical solution to a beloved candy is a testament to creativity, collaboration, and a bit of ingenuity. As they continue to evolve and adapt to modern tastes, one thing remains certain: M&M's will always bring a little joy and sweetness to our lives. So, the next time you pop a few M&M's into your mouth, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind those colourful little treats!