M&M’s are one of the most beloved candies in the world, with their colorful candy shells and chocolate centers bringing joy to millions. However, the sweet treat’s origin story is anything but ordinary. The creation of M&M’s was inspired by a historical event: World War II. Here’s a look at how a war helped shape this candy icon, turning it into the household name it is today.
The Birth of M&M’s: A Wartime Innovation
In the early 1940s, the world was embroiled in the chaos of World War II. Soldiers were on the front lines, facing not only the horrors of battle but also the challenges of sustaining themselves in harsh conditions. One of the major issues faced by soldiers was the difficulty in transporting candy. Traditional chocolate bars would melt in the hot, tropical climates of places like the Pacific, making them impractical for wartime rations.
It was in this context that M&M’s were born. The story begins with two entrepreneurs, Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie, who recognized the need for a durable, heat-resistant chocolate candy that could withstand the elements. Mars was the son of Frank C. Mars, the founder of the Mars Company, and Murrie was the son of Hershey Chocolate’s president, Milton Hershey. Together, they set out to create a new kind of candy.
The Idea Behind M&M’s: A Candy That Won’t Melt
The idea for M&M’s came from the observation of a practice in Spain, where soldiers would coat chocolate with a hard candy shell to prevent it from melting in the heat. Mars and Murrie decided to adapt this concept, creating a candy-coated chocolate that could be easily transported and consumed in the field without the risk of melting.
To make this idea a reality, Mars and Murrie teamed up to develop a new manufacturing process that would produce the colorful candy shells that M&M’s are known for today. The candy was made with a thin candy shell surrounding a chocolate center, which was more resistant to heat compared to traditional chocolate bars.
The Name and Logo: A Nod to the Founders
The name “M&M” comes from the initials of the two founders, Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie. Mars provided the chocolate, while Murrie contributed Hershey’s chocolate, which was used to make the candy’s chocolate filling. In this way, M&M’s were a collaboration between two major figures in the candy industry, blending Mars’ expertise in chocolate and Murrie’s connection to Hershey’s chocolate.
The now-iconic logo, featuring two M’s inside a circle, was designed to be simple and easy to recognize. It’s become one of the most enduring logos in the candy world, symbolizing the fun and colorful nature of M&M’s.
The Role of M&M’s in World War II
M&M’s were introduced to soldiers during World War II, where they quickly became a hit. The candies were included in soldiers’ rations, thanks to their ability to withstand heat and their small, portable size. The slogan “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand” was coined to emphasize the candy’s durability, and it became a key part of M&M’s marketing.
The wartime demand for M&M’s was so high that the Mars Company ramped up production to meet the needs of the military. By the end of the war, M&M’s had gained a strong following, and soldiers who had tasted them on the front lines were eager to continue enjoying them once they returned home.
Post-War Success and the Evolution of M&M’s
After the war ended, M&M’s were introduced to the civilian market in 1946. The candy quickly became a popular treat, with Mars using innovative marketing techniques to spread the word. The candy’s colorful shells, which had been a key feature for the military, became a defining characteristic in civilian packaging as well. M&M’s were initially sold in brown, but over time, other colors were introduced, making them even more appealing.
In the 1950s, M&M’s introduced their famous slogan, “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand,” which further solidified the candy’s reputation for being a mess-free snack. As the candy became more popular, Mars continued to innovate with new flavors and variations, including peanut M&M’s, which were introduced in 1954.
Over the years, M&M’s have become more than just a candy. They’ve evolved into a global brand with a wide range of flavors, products, and marketing campaigns. M&M’s are featured in everything from holiday-themed packaging to personalized M&M’s, allowing fans to customize their candy for special occasions. The brand also expanded into new product lines like M&M’s Ice Cream, M&M’s Minis, and M&M’s Pretzel.
The Legacy of M&M’s
Today, M&M’s are one of the most recognizable candy brands in the world, with their signature candy shells and colorful personalities. The candy is no longer just a treat; it’s a cultural icon. M&M’s have been featured in movies, advertisements, and even art, becoming a symbol of fun and indulgence.
The brand’s mascot characters—such as Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, and the rest of the M&M’s gang—have become part of popular culture, each with its own personality and quirks. These characters have been used in countless advertising campaigns, helping M&M’s remain relevant and beloved by generations of fans.
The history of M&M’s is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity that can arise from difficult circumstances. What started as a practical solution for soldiers during World War II turned into one of the most iconic and successful candy brands in history. The candy’s ability to endure and thrive, both on the battlefield and in the marketplace, is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Conclusion
M&M’s have come a long way since their inception in the midst of World War II. What began as a solution to a wartime problem has transformed into a beloved candy enjoyed by millions around the world. The creation of M&M’s is a perfect example of how innovation and necessity can lead to something that not only serves a practical purpose but also captures the hearts and imaginations of people everywhere. Today, M&M’s are more than just a candy—they’re a symbol of fun, color, and creativity, all thanks to the ingenuity of two entrepreneurs and the challenges of war.