You crunch them, you love them, but do you really know the secrets of M&M’s? For over 80 years, these little colored candies have conquered the world with their irresistible taste and crunchy shell. But behind their success lies a surprising military story, bold innovations, and manufacturing secrets fiercely guarded.
What if I told you that M&M’s have even traveled to space? That their blue color was chosen by a global vote? Or that the recipe almost disappeared due to a cocoa shortage? Fasten your seatbelt; we’re diving into the fascinating universe of M&M’s!
I. A story that begins on a battlefield
From soldiers to candies: the unexpected origin of M&M’s
The story of M&M’s begins during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Spanish soldiers had a brilliant trick to keep their chocolate from melting in the heat: covering it with a layer of hardened sugar. Inspired by this idea, Forrest Mars Sr., son of the founder of the famous Mars bar, decided to create a similar candy.
In 1941, M&M’s came to life and quickly became a staple for American soldiers during World War II. Why? Because they don’t melt in your hand, only in your mouth. A slogan that would become legendary!
The evolution of colors and iconic characters
The first M&M’s were only brown. It wasn’t until 1960 that red, yellow, and green colors made their debut, followed by blue in 1995 after a consumer vote.
And those little colorful characters we see in commercials? They appeared in 1954 with the introduction of peanut M&M’s. Today, each color has a well-defined personality: Red the arrogant, Yellow the naïve, Blue the cool… and Miss Green, who has become a feminine marketing icon!
II. The different varieties of M&M’s: much more than chocolate
The classic must-haves
- Milk chocolate M&M’s: The original, the one that conquered the world.
- Peanut M&M’s (1954): An even more indulgent version.
Limited editions and unique flavors
Every year, the brand innovates with special editions. Some have become cult favorites, others more… experimental:
✅ White chocolate strawberry & cream
✅ Peanut butter and jelly (new for 2024)
✅ Hazelnut, mint, chili… Yes, they dared!
Why are M&M’s so successful?
The secret lies in their unique texture: a perfect balance between the crunch of the coating and the melt of the chocolate. Add brilliant marketing and a global presence, and you get one of the best-selling candies in the world!
III. The behind-the-scenes of production: how are M&M’s made?
Have you ever wondered how these perfect little candies are made?
1. Chocolate, the king ingredient
Every M&M’s starts with a core of pure chocolate, melted and shaped into a small sphere. For the peanut versions, only the best peanuts are selected.
2. The colored coating: a highly precise process
- A sugar syrup is sprayed onto each candy, creating the crunchy shell.
- The candies are then dipped in natural food colorings.
- A laser marking applies the famous white “M” on each M&M’s.
3. A very strict quality control
Before reaching your bag, each M&M’s goes through rigorous testing:
✔️ Size and shape verification
✔️ Taste and texture testing
✔️ Guarantee of uniform colors
IV. Nutrition, allergens, and tips for enjoying M&M’s
A sweet pleasure to consume in moderation
M&M’s are delicious… but they are still a candy! On average:
👉 One chocolate M&M’s = 4.7 calories
👉 A 45 g bag = about 230 calories
Allergens to watch out for
If you are allergic to peanuts, be careful with peanut M&M’s! The brand also uses traces of milk, soy, and sometimes gluten depending on the country.
Gourmet tip: how to enhance M&M’s?
Want to enjoy them differently? Try these ideas:
🍪 In homemade cookies for a colorful crunchy effect.
🍦 In vanilla ice cream for a flavor explosion.
🍫 Melted in hot chocolate for an ultra-indulgent touch.
V. Where to buy M&M’s and how to find special editions?
Looking for rare M&M’s? Here are the best options:
🔹 Official online store: www.mms.com offers customizable editions.
🔹 Supermarkets and specialty stores: Carrefour, Leclerc, Monoprix…
🔹 Import USA: Some flavors are only available in America, but you can order them on Amazon or in specialty stores.
And you, what is your favorite M&M’s?
M&M’s are much more than just a candy: they tell a story, evoke memories, and offer an infinity of flavors.
👉 Tell me in the comments: do you prefer the classics or the limited editions? Share this article with your foodie friends and defend your favorite M&M’s team!
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
