Beginning in 1941, as a way to create chocolate that wouldn’t melt in your fingers, M&M’s are now beloved in 100 countries. The original flavor has also been joined by Peanut Butter, Almond, Pretzel, Crispy, Dark Chocolate, and the new Honey Nut, Chili Nut, and Coffee Nut. These nut flavors are currently being voted on by customers around the world and the winner will remain in the M&M flavor offerings as a special 75th Anniversary present to all.
Along with the evolving flavors, there have also been some other changes to one of the most dominant candies in our society. That’s right, I’m talking about the colors. And for some widely peculiar reason (to me, at least), the colors of M&M’s are very controversial. For starters, some customers just aren’t a fan of artificial coloring, which is reasonable, but Mars reassures buyers, “we have absolute confidence in the safety of all the ingredients that we use, no matter where our products are sold around the world.” Mars recently announced a slow transition towards natural coloring, but reminds fans the change is complex and won’t happen over night. This change comes with some concern for M&M lovers because there is no saying how the lack of artificial coloring will affect the new colors. And, honestly, eating M&M’s just wouldn’t be as fun without the bright colors. Also, in 1941 when M&M’s were first released, the original colors were Red, Yellow, Brown, Green, and Violet, a color no longer in existence (at least in traditional packaged bags). Now included in every M&M bag is Orange and Blue.
Even with a rainbow of colors, M&M’s are still considered plain and boring. Why? What makes these candies boring? One of the world’s other most popular candies is a Hershey’s Bars, which is nothing but a brick of chocolate. That to me is boring — delicious and popular, but boring. Also, M&M’s have done something with their brand like no other company to date. They’ve created a uniquely lovable cartoon character for every main color. There’s the original leader Red, the scaredy cat Orange, a powerful woman Brown, the sassy and flirty Green, and of course the “inner child” Yellow.
The distinct personalities of the M&M colors make even non-fast
Catching a movie at the Warwick Cinema? Pick your favorite M&M colors and scatter them in your popcorn bag. Every few bites you’ll get a fun chocolatey surprise! Celebrating a birthday or special occasion this week? Bake a cake with chopped up M&M bits in it. It’ll look like Funfetti, but taste even better!
Competitive? Some fans like to make a game out of eating their candy treats. One candy lover squeezes two together and eats the cracked one, the lasting M&M becomes the champion. Do this until you have the Ultimate M&M Champion! Also try using the candy in games like Bingo or Checkers rather than playing with traditional plastic pieces.
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Do you have a favorite way to eat M&M’s? Let us know how you indulge in the comments. Here’s to hoping M&M’s help you have a crazy fun week!
Not able to visit The Crazy Candy Lady in person? Shop them online at Marblehead.Works and see their wonderful sweets treats gift baskets!
Written by Linda Fitzpatrick, The Crazy Candy Lady's MHS intern for her Senior Projects
