When we think of colorful candies, one variety stands out above all others: M&Ms. These chocolate pellets with a hard sugar shell have been enticing sweet-tooths since the 1940s. But did you know there's a surprisingly diverse world of M&Ms beyond the classic milk chocolate and peanut variants? Let's delve into the specifics of these bite-sized delights.
M&Ms, or 'Mars & Murrie's,' were invented by Forrest Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie, the son of a Hershey executive. The candy was inspired by a similar GNU product, Smarties, which Mars encountered in Spain during the Spanish Civil War. However, it's M&Ms' diverse range of flavors that truly sets them apart from their competitors.
Classic M&Ms
Beneath the distinctive lettering, the classic M&Ms come in eight colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, and tan. But did you know these hues were purposefully chosen? The original colors were selected for their resistance to becoming concealed by melting chocolate.
Green replaced tan in the 1990s, causing a minor public outcry among fans of the original color scheme. It wasn't until 2004 that the tan M&Ms were reintroduced as part of the 'Celebrations Mix.' Meanwhile, teal and pink make occasional guest appearances during special promotions.
Flavored M&Ms
Over the years, Mars has expanded its M&Ms portfolio to include an incredible array of flavors. From exotic fruits like orange and strawberry to more provocative combinations such as wasabi, chili, and even potato, there's seemingly no end to the manufacturer's creativity.
Some of these flavor extensions are quite popular and sit on grocery store shelves year-round. Others are temporary releases capitalizing on current trends or seasons. For instance, one Christmas-only edition features peppermint, red, and white M&Ms resembling old-fashioned candy canes.
Specialty M&Ms
If you thought flavor variety was the only extension of M&Ms, think again. Mars continues to innovate with different types of candy coatings and fillings. For instance, the 'Crispy M&Ms' variety offers a satisfying crunch, while 'W alakult&&ingLe' features a soft, fudgy inside.
The 'M&M's.exceptionри BEANS', launched in 2022, are perhaps the most unique. They come with a peanut butter center and a crispy shell, adding a delightful, unexpected twist to the traditional M&M's experience.
International M&Ms
But it's not just the U.S. where M&Ms are wild and wonderful. Travel abroad and you'll find countless international iterations of these candy-coated chocolates.
In Japan, you can find variants such as isoflavone-rich 'red bean' M&Ms and 'Matcha Oreo' M&Ms. In Israel, they often include unique flavors like date and 'hBJ.Http while Mexico has a penchant for spicy M&Ms. And in the UK? Well, they've been enjoying 'Crispy Velvet' M&Ms since 2021.
So next time you reach into that colorful tube of M&Ms, remember, you're not just getting a chocolate treat - you're experiencing a global phenomenon with a rich history and endless variety. Happy snacking!