For candy lovers, M&Ms are a classic and beloved treat. These small, colorful candies have been a staple of candy aisles for decades. But have you ever wondered what the "M" in M&Ms stands for? In this article, we'll explore the sweet story behind this iconic candy.
The Origins of M&Ms
M&Ms were first created in the 1940s by Forrest Mars Sr., the son of the founder of Mars, Inc. The original concept was to create a candy that could withstand the heat of the tropics, as Mars Sr. had witnessed soldiers' chocolate bars melting during his time in the military. The solution was a candy that had a hard shell and a chocolate center, which would not melt as easily as a chocolate bar.
The "M" in M&Ms
The "M" in M&Ms stands for Mars, the last name of the candy's creator. However, the candy's name has gone through a few changes over the years. Originally, the candy was called "M&M's" with a hyphen between the "M" and "Ms." Later, the hyphen was removed, and the candy became known simply as "M&Ms."
Evolution of M&Ms
Over the years, M&Ms have evolved to include a range of flavors and colors. The original colors were brown, yellow, green, red, and violet. Today, there are more than 20 colors, including seasonal colors for holidays like Halloween and Christmas.
M&Ms Marketing
M&Ms are not only tasty; they're also known for their clever marketing campaigns. One of the most memorable campaigns featured the slogan "Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands." This slogan emphasized the candy's unique ability to withstand heat and remain solid, even when held in the palm of your hand.
M&Ms in Popular Culture
M&Ms have also made appearances in popular culture, from movies to video games. Perhaps the most well-known appearance was in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, where the candy played a crucial role in the plot. M&Ms have also appeared in video games like Candy Crush and even have their own racing game, M&M's Kart Racing.
M&Ms Fun Facts
Here are a few fun facts about M&Ms:
- The brown M&M was briefly discontinued in 1976 due to concerns about artificial coloring. It was brought back in 1987 after the candy's fans protested.
- M&Ms have been to space! In 1981, M&Ms were included in the astronauts' food supply on the first Space Shuttle flight.
- M&Ms are the best-selling candy in the United States.
In Conclusion
M&Ms have been bringing joy to candy lovers for over 80 years. From their humble origins as a candy that could withstand the heat of the tropics to their status as one of the most beloved candies in the world, M&Ms have a sweet story behind them. Whether you prefer the classic milk chocolate flavor or the newer varieties like peanut butter or pretzel, M&Ms are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.