What Do M&M’s Stand For on the Candy?
The letters printed on M&M’s candies do not stand for anything specific regarding ingredients or flavors; they are simply the initial of the founders’ last names: Forrest E. Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie.
The Sweet History of M&M’s
M&M’s, a global confectionery icon, have a history as rich and colorful as their candy shells. Understanding their origins illuminates why those simple letters hold such significance. The story begins in the late 1930s, when Forrest E. Mars Sr., son of Mars, Incorporated founder Frank C. Mars, was seeking inspiration in Europe.
- The Spanish Civil War Inspiration: Mars reportedly observed soldiers eating chocolate pellets encased in a sugary shell. This candy prevented the chocolate from melting in the heat, a practical solution for the war environment.
- A Business Partnership: Mars saw immense potential in this concept. Upon returning to the United States, he partnered with Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey Chocolate’s president, William Murrie. This partnership was crucial because Hershey controlled the chocolate rationing at the time due to World War II.
- A Sweet Agreement: The agreement allowed Mars to use Hershey’s chocolate, with Murrie receiving a 20% stake in the new product. This arrangement ensured a consistent supply of chocolate, a vital component for the candy’s initial success.
From Military Rations to Global Phenomenon
M&M’s were initially marketed to the military, again leveraging their ability to withstand high temperatures. This proved incredibly successful, making them a staple in soldiers’ rations during World War II.
- Post-War Expansion: Following the war, M&M’s were introduced to the general public, quickly gaining popularity.
- “Look for the M on Every Piece”: This iconic slogan, first introduced in 1954, solidified the brand’s identity and assured consumers of authenticity. Before this, the candies were sold in tubes and the “M” was printed in black.
- Color Coding: The introduction of various colors, including the now-ubiquitous red, green, yellow, blue, orange, and brown, further enhanced their appeal.
The Murrie Legacy
While Forrest Mars Sr. is widely recognized as the driving force behind M&M’s, the contribution of Bruce Murrie should not be overlooked. His involvement provided access to a critical resource – chocolate – during a period of scarcity.
- A Limited Partnership: Murrie’s stake was eventually bought out by Mars Sr. in the late 1940s.
- A Shared Legacy: Despite his relatively short tenure as a partner, Murrie’s contribution was essential to the candy’s initial success. His name remains a testament to the collaborative effort that brought M&M’s to life.
Evolution of the “M”
The “M” on each M&M has undergone several transformations since its inception.
- Early Stages: Initially printed in black, the “M” was later changed to white to improve visibility and recognition.
- Modernization: The font and style of the “M” have also evolved over the years, reflecting changing design trends.
- A Symbol of Quality: The “M” remains a crucial element of the M&M’s brand, serving as a mark of authenticity and quality.
M&M’s Today
Today, M&M’s are available in a vast array of flavors, colors, and varieties. The brand continues to innovate, introducing new products and marketing campaigns that resonate with consumers worldwide.
- Endless Variety: From classic milk chocolate to peanut, almond, pretzel, and even spicy varieties, M&M’s cater to a wide range of tastes.
- Iconic Characters: The M&M’s characters, such as Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, and Orange, are instantly recognizable and have become a significant part of the brand’s identity.
- Global Reach: M&M’s are sold in virtually every corner of the globe, making them one of the world’s most popular and beloved candies.
Table: Evolution of M&M’s Colors
| Year(s) | Colors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1941 | Brown, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Violet | Original colors |
| 1949 | Tan replaced Violet | Due to cost of violet dye. |
| 1950 | Black “M” printed | For identification. |
| 1954 | White “M” printed | Added slogan “Look for the ‘M’ on every piece”. |
| 1976 | Red was removed | Because of Red Dye #2 scare |
| 1987 | Red was reintroduced | |
| 1995 | Blue added (voted by popular vote) | Replaced tan. |
Why This Matters
Understanding the origin of the “M” provides insight into the business partnership, the brand’s evolution, and the enduring appeal of these iconic candies. It’s a reminder that even the simplest things often have a rich and fascinating story behind them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any special editions of M&M’s where the “M” stands for something else?
Generally, the “M” on M&M’s always represents Mars and Murrie. However, occasionally, M&M’s releases limited-edition or promotional candies with altered packaging or marketing, but the letters printed on the candies themselves remain unchanged.
Does the color of the M&M’s candy shell affect what the “M” stands for?
No, the color of the M&M’s candy shell has no bearing on what the “M” stands for. The “M” always represents Mars and Murrie, regardless of the candy’s color or flavor.
Did Forrest Mars buy out Bruce Murrie, and if so, why?
Yes, Forrest Mars Sr. bought out Bruce Murrie’s 20% stake in the late 1940s. The reasons for the buyout aren’t publicly detailed; however, such acquisitions are standard business practice to consolidate ownership and control.
Is it true that red M&M’s were once removed from production due to a dye scare?
Yes, this is true. Red M&M’s were temporarily removed from production in 1976 due to concerns about Red Dye No. 2, a food coloring that was linked to health problems. Although M&M’s didn’t use Red Dye No. 2, the association led to their removal. They were reintroduced in 1987.
What year did the blue M&M’s get added to the mix?
Blue M&M’s were added to the mix in 1995. Mars held a contest where people voted for which color would replace the tan M&M.
Do M&M’s have any regional variations in ingredients or branding around the world?
While the core formula remains largely consistent, there can be subtle regional variations in M&M’s, especially in flavor offerings. Branding is usually uniform to maintain global recognition.
What is the process for printing the “M” on each individual candy?
The precise method for printing the “M” is proprietary, but it likely involves specialized food-grade printing technology. This technology allows for consistent and clear application of the letter onto the curved surface of each candy.
Have there ever been M&M’s with a different letter or symbol than “M”?
Only in highly customized cases. While the standard M&M’s always feature the “M”, you might be able to find personalized M&M’s for special events or promotions that feature different letters or symbols on the candy. However, these are not part of the standard product line.
How has the M&M’s brand leveraged its name and history in its marketing campaigns?
The M&M’s brand has effectively leveraged its name and history through nostalgic campaigns, highlighting its long-standing presence and heritage. Their mascots often reference their founding story and the uniqueness of the candy’s shell.
Besides chocolate, what other flavors of M&M’s are most popular?
Besides the classic milk chocolate, peanut M&M’s are arguably the most popular flavor. Other well-liked flavors include almond, pretzel, and dark chocolate.
Are M&M’s considered gluten-free?
Classic Milk Chocolate M&M’s are NOT considered gluten-free. M&M’s do not label their candies as gluten-free. Other flavors may vary, so it is always important to check the packaging.
Where are M&M’s candies primarily manufactured?
M&M’s candies are manufactured in several locations around the world, including the United States, Europe, and China. Production facilities are strategically located to meet global demand.