Who Makes M&M’s Candy? A Look Inside the Iconic Brand
M&M’s candies are primarily manufactured by Mars, Incorporated, a privately held American multinational manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products. The bulk of M&M’s production occurs in facilities in the United States and Europe.
The History of M&M’s and Mars, Incorporated
The story of M&M’s is inextricably linked to the history of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world’s largest privately owned companies. Founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars, the company initially specialized in chocolate confections. The idea for M&M’s originated during the Spanish Civil War when Forrest Mars Sr., Frank’s son, observed soldiers eating chocolate pellets with a hard shell that prevented them from melting in the heat. This sparked the inspiration to create a similar product for the American market.
In 1941, Forrest Mars Sr. partnered with Bruce Murrie (hence the “M&M” name – Mars & Murrie) to produce M&M’s. Murrie provided a crucial 20% stake and the necessary rationing permits during World War II, as chocolate was a rationed commodity.
- The initial product, M&M’s Plain Chocolate Candies, quickly became popular, especially with soldiers who appreciated their portability and resistance to melting.
- The candies were advertised with the iconic slogan, “The milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand.”
Mars, Incorporated: A Global Conglomerate
Mars, Incorporated has grown into a global powerhouse, with a diverse portfolio of brands including:
- Chocolate: M&M’s, Snickers, Mars Bar, Twix, Milky Way
- Petcare: Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin, Iams
- Food: Uncle Ben’s (now Ben’s Original), Dolmio
- Wrigley: Juicy Fruit, Orbit, Extra
The company operates in over 80 countries and employs over 140,000 associates. Its commitment to quality and innovation has cemented its position as a leader in the confectionery and food industries.
The M&M’s Manufacturing Process
The creation of M&M’s is a complex and highly automated process. While the exact details are proprietary, the general steps involve:
- Chocolate Production: The milk chocolate is made from a blend of cocoa beans, milk powder, sugar, and other ingredients.
- Center Formation: The chocolate is molded into the classic M&M’s shape – small, slightly flattened spheres.
- Pan Coating: The chocolate centers are tumbled in large pans while being sprayed with a sugar solution. This process is repeated multiple times to build up a smooth, hard shell.
- Coloring: The sugar shells are colored using various food-grade dyes. The specific colors have evolved over time, with some colors being discontinued and reintroduced based on consumer demand.
- Printing: The iconic “m” logo is printed onto each candy using a food-grade ink.
- Polishing: The candies are polished to give them their characteristic shine.
- Sorting and Packaging: The finished M&M’s are sorted by color and packaged into various sizes of bags and containers.
Locations of M&M’s Manufacturing Facilities
Mars, Incorporated operates several manufacturing facilities around the world that produce M&M’s. While the company does not publicly disclose the exact locations of all its plants for competitive reasons, key production sites include:
- Hackettstown, New Jersey, USA: One of the largest and most significant M&M’s production facilities.
- Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, USA: Another major U.S. production hub.
- Slough, United Kingdom: A primary European manufacturing location.
The specific M&M’s varieties produced at each facility may vary depending on regional demand and distribution networks.
Quality Control and Safety Standards
Mars, Incorporated places a high emphasis on quality control and food safety. Their manufacturing processes are subject to rigorous standards and inspections to ensure that M&M’s meet the highest levels of quality and safety. This includes:
- Regular testing of ingredients and finished products
- Adherence to strict hygiene and sanitation protocols
- Implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) systems
The company also invests in ongoing research and development to improve its manufacturing processes and ensure the safety and quality of its products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Mars, Incorporated a publicly traded company?
No, Mars, Incorporated is a privately held, family-owned company. This allows the company to prioritize long-term strategic goals over short-term financial pressures. This also means they do not have to release detailed financial information to the public.
What are the different varieties of M&M’s available?
M&M’s come in a wide array of flavors and varieties, including:
- Milk Chocolate
- Peanut
- Peanut Butter
- Dark Chocolate
- Almond
- Pretzel
- Caramel
- Numerous limited-edition flavors
The specific varieties available may vary depending on the region and time of year.
Are M&M’s gluten-free?
The standard Milk Chocolate, Peanut, and Dark Chocolate M&M’s are generally considered gluten-free, as they do not contain wheat, barley, or rye. However, it is always recommended to check the packaging for the most up-to-date ingredient information, as manufacturing processes can change.
Do M&M’s contain allergens?
Yes, M&M’s contain several allergens, including milk and soy. Peanut M&M’s obviously contain peanuts, and other varieties may be manufactured in facilities that also process peanuts and tree nuts. Again, always check the packaging for the most accurate allergen information.
What is the shelf life of M&M’s?
The shelf life of M&M’s is typically around one year from the date of manufacture. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will help to maintain their quality and freshness.
How many M&M’s are produced each day?
While Mars, Incorporated does not release precise production figures, it is estimated that millions of M&M’s are produced daily across its various manufacturing facilities worldwide. This underscores the immense popularity and global reach of the brand.
Are M&M’s vegan?
No, M&M’s are not vegan because they contain milk chocolate, which is derived from dairy. While there have been petitions for vegan M&M’s, there is currently no readily available plant-based version from Mars.
Have the colors of M&M’s ever changed?
Yes, the colors of M&M’s have changed several times throughout their history. In 1976, red M&M’s were temporarily removed due to concerns about a red dye (Red Dye No. 2), even though it wasn’t used in M&M’s. They were reintroduced in 1987 due to popular demand.
What is the significance of the M&M’s characters?
The M&M’s characters (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, and Brown) are used in advertising and marketing to personify the candies and create an emotional connection with consumers. Each character has a distinct personality and represents a different aspect of the brand.
Are there sugar-free versions of M&M’s?
Currently, there are no widely available sugar-free versions of M&M’s on the market. Although there may be recipes for homemade, sugar-free replicas, the original candies are not produced in this manner.
How does Mars, Incorporated ensure ethical sourcing of its ingredients?
Mars, Incorporated is committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing of its ingredients, including cocoa beans. The company has implemented programs to support cocoa farmers, combat child labor, and promote environmentally responsible farming practices. These initiatives are outlined in detail on the company’s website.
Where can I find the latest information about M&M’s and Mars, Incorporated?
The best source of information is the official Mars, Incorporated website (mars.com) and the official M&M’s website (mms.com). These sites provide up-to-date information about products, initiatives, and company news.