Who doesn't love M&M's? These colourful little sweets have been around for more than 80 years, and yet there's still so much we don't know about them. From their unique origins to their worldwide popularity, there are some fun facts about M&Ms that even the most die-hard fans may not know. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 of these fun facts that you didn't know about M&M's. So, grab your favourite bag and get ready to learn something new about the beloved sweet we all know and love!
1) History of M&M's
M&M's are a popular sweet that has been around for almost 80 years. The sweet was created by Forrest Mars Sr., who was inspired by British candies that were covered in a hard outer shell. Mars saw an opportunity to create a sweet that wouldn't melt in his hands, as chocolate bars did in hot temperatures.
In 1941, Mars partnered with Bruce Murrie, son of Hershey Chocolate Company's president, and the two began producing M&M's. The name stands for Mars and Murrie's, with the iconic "m" printed on each sweet to represent the last names of the founders.
M&M's were first sold exclusively to the military during World War II. The sweet was an instant hit with soldiers, as it could withstand high temperatures and didn't easily melt or spoil. In fact, M&M's became so popular among the troops that they were included in soldiers' rations.
After the war, M&M's became available to the general public. The sweet was initially only available in one flavour - milk chocolate - and came in brown, red, orange, yellow, green, and violet colours. In the 1960s, M&M's began experimenting with different flavours, starting with peanut butter.
Today, M&M's come in a wide variety of flavours, including peanut, crispy, almond, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and even seasonal flavours like pumpkin spice and eggnog.
Over the years, M&M's have become a staple of the sweet industry, and its history has been marked by many innovations and achievements. Despite all of the changes and evolution of the brand, the iconic "m" on each sweet has remained a symbol of the classic M&M brand and its legacy in the world of sweets.
2) The "M" on the sweet
Have you ever wondered what the "M" on an M&M stands for? Many people believe it stands for "melt in your mouth, not in your hands," but that is actually the famous slogan of the sweet, not the origin of the letter.
The "M" actually stands for Mars, the last name of Forrest Mars, one of the creators of M&M's. Mars had the idea to create a sweet that could withstand the heat of military combat and provide soldiers with a sweet treat that wouldn't melt in their hands.
The sweet's outer shell was made of a hard candy coating that kept the chocolate from melting, and the letter "M" was imprinted on each piece as a way to distinguish them from other candies. The sweets quickly became popular not just with soldiers, but with civilians as well.
Over the years, the "M" has gone through various design changes and even different colours. Today, the letter can be found in white on the classic milk chocolate M&M's, while other varieties feature different coloured letters to match the sweet's shell colour.
So next time you're enjoying a bag of M&M's, remember that the "M" stands for Mars, the creator of one of the world's most beloved candies.
3) Different types of M&M's
M&M's may seem like a simple sweet treat, but there are actually many different types of this popular sweet available today. While the classic milk chocolate variety remains the most popular, there are a variety of different flavours and variations to choose from. Here are some of the most notable types of M&M's:
Milk Chocolate: The classic M&M's that started it all, milk chocolate M&M's feature a hard sweet shell that encases a smooth milk chocolate centre.
Dark Chocolate: For those who prefer their chocolate on the richer side, dark chocolate M&M's are a great alternative. These have a bittersweet flavour that is perfect for anyone who likes their chocolate with a little bit of a kick.
Peanut: Peanut M&M's have been a fan favourite since their introduction in 1954. They feature a milk chocolate centre that surrounds a crunchy roasted peanut.
Almond: A more recent addition to the M&M's lineup, almond M&M's feature a milk chocolate centre that surrounds a whole roasted almond.
Crispy: Introduced in 2015, crispy M&M's have a crispy rice centre that gives them a unique texture and a slightly different taste than classic M&M's.
Pretzel: Another newer addition to the M&M's lineup, pretzel M&M's features a pretzel centre that is coated in milk chocolate and candy shell.
Caramel: A newer flavour, caramel M&M's features a caramel filling that is coated in milk chocolate and candy shell.
In addition to these main flavours, M&M's also periodically releases limited edition flavours such as mint, coffee nut, and pumpkin spice. M&M's are even available in special themed colours for holidays and events, such as red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July and green and red for Christmas.
Whatever your taste preference, there is an M&M variety for you. With so many different options available, it's no wonder that M&M's remain one of the most popular candies around the world.
4) The famous slogan and jingle
One of the most iconic parts of the M&M's brand is its slogan and jingle. The slogan, "Melts in your mouth, not in your hand," was first introduced in 1954 and has since become synonymous with the sweet. It was created by the ad agency BBDO, which was tasked with finding a way to promote the sweet's hard shell.
The jingle, which many people can still sing from memory, was first introduced in 1972 and featured the catchy tune of "M&M's are the candies that melt in your mouth, not in your hand." The jingle has since undergone various iterations, but the core message remains the same.
The slogan and jingle have become such a staple of M&M's brand that they have been referenced and parodied in various forms of pop culture, from TV shows to movies. The jingle is so well-known that in a survey conducted in 2015, 56% of people correctly identified the brand after hearing the jingle without any other clues.
M&M has also used the slogan and jingle in various marketing campaigns over the years, from its first TV commercial in 1954 to more recent campaigns featuring animated M&M characters.
The success of the slogan and jingle can be attributed to its simplicity and effectiveness in conveying the sweet's unique selling point. It has helped make M&M's one of the most recognizable and beloved sweet brands in the world.
5) M&M's in pop culture
M&M's have not only made a significant impact in the sweet industry, but they have also been a popular staple in pop culture. From movies to TV shows, and even in music videos, M&M's have managed to make their presence known in a variety of mediums.
One of the most famous appearances of M&M's in pop culture is in the 1982 film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. In one of the film's most iconic scenes, E.T. is seen using M&M's to communicate with Elliott, his human friend. The scene sparked an increase in M&M's sales, leading to a new generation of sweet lovers.
M&M's have also made an appearance in the popular TV show, The Office. In one episode, Michael Scott uses M&M's to demonstrate a lesson about diversity to his employees, highlighting the different colours and flavours available. The scene is not only hilarious but also reinforces the message of inclusivity in a fun and lighthearted way.
M&M's have also made their mark in music videos. The popular 90s boy band, NSYNC, featured M&M's in their music video for "It's Gonna Be Me." In the video, the band members are portrayed as toy dolls in a store, and M&M's are seen as part of the props.
Another popular music video that features M&M's is Katy Perry's "California Gurls." In the video, Perry wears a costume made entirely of sweet, including M&M's, adding to the vibrant and playful nature of the video.
Apart from movies, TV shows, and music videos, M&M's have also been a common reference in popular culture. From sports commentators to stand-up comedians, the sweet has managed to find a place in everyday conversations.
Overall, M&M's have become more than just a sweet; they have become a part of popular culture, a symbol of fun, and a representation of inclusivity. Whether you're a fan of the sweet or not, there's no denying the impact M&M's have had on pop culture and the sweets industry.
6) M&M's marketing strategies
One of the reasons why M&M's has become such an iconic brand is because of its innovative marketing strategies. From clever advertisements to engaging social media campaigns, M&M's has always known how to stay ahead of the competition.
One of the earliest marketing strategies employed by M&M's was their famous slogan "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands". This catchphrase not only highlighted the unique melting properties of M&M's but also assured consumers that their hands wouldn't get messy while eating them. It was an effective way of creating a unique selling point and setting M&M's apart from other chocolate brands.
Another memorable marketing campaign that M&M's executed was their "mascot" strategy. By creating colourful, anthropomorphic characters to represent their different flavours, M&M's was able to establish an emotional connection with its audience. Characters like Red, Yellow, and Green became instant fan favourites and appeared in a series of commercials, print ads, and even in merchandise. The use of these mascots helped to humanize the brand and make it more relatable.
M&M's has also been able to leverage pop culture to its advantage. By collaborating with different movies and TV shows, they have been able to reach a wider audience and create buzz around their brand. In 1996, M&M's made an appearance in the hit movie "Independence Day" which helped to increase their popularity. They have also had collaborations with popular shows like "The Simpsons" and "Friends". By creating limited edition packaging with these pop culture references, M&M's has been able to tap into the nostalgia of their customers and keep the brand relevant.
Social media has also played a big role in M&M's marketing strategy. By creating engaging and humorous content, they have been able to establish a strong social media presence. They regularly post witty comments, memes, and videos on their accounts which keep their followers entertained and engaged. Their Twitter account was ranked as one of the top 50 most influential brands on social media by Forbes in 2018.
M&M's marketing strategies have not only helped to increase their sales but also established them as one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Their innovative use of slogans, mascots, pop culture collaborations, and social media has ensured that they remain relevant and engaging to consumers of all ages.
7) The impact of M&M's on the sweet industry
M&M's have had a profound impact on the sweets industry. Before their invention in 1941, most sweet products were sold in bulk, and there were very few options available to consumers. M&M's changed that by introducing the idea of small, individualised portions of sweets in colourful packaging.
This concept revolutionized the industry, and it wasn't long before other sweet manufacturers started following suit. Soon, small packages of sweets were everywhere, from vending machines to grocery store checkout aisles. The convenience and portability of these products made them an instant hit with consumers, and sweet sales soared.
But M&M's didn't just change the packaging and portion size of sweet. They also changed the way sweet was marketed. M&M's were marketed as a snack that was fun to eat and easy to share, which helped to establish them as a go-to choice for social events and gatherings.
The success of M&M's also led to the creation of new sweet products that followed the same model. Skittles, for example, were introduced in 1979 and quickly became another hugely popular sweet with individualised portions and colourful packaging.
In addition to their impact on the sweet industry, M&M's have also had a significant impact on popular culture. The famous sweet has appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and advertisements, which has helped to solidify its place in our collective consciousness.
Overall, it's hard to overstate the impact that M&M's have had on the sweet industry. From changing the way sweet is packaged and marketed to establishing a new model for snack food, M&M's have left an indelible mark on the industry and continue to be a beloved treat for people around the world.
8) The largest M&M ever made
Did you know that there was once a giant M&M sweet that weighed a whopping 70 pounds? It was created in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the sweet in 2016, and it was displayed at the M&M's World store in Times Square, New York City.
The giant M&M was about the size of a basketball, and it was made up of thousands of individual M&M's that were carefully arranged by a team of sweet artists. The candy shell was made of red, yellow, and brown M&M's, while the filling was made of blue, green, and orange M&M's.
To put the size of this giant M&M into perspective, it was equivalent to about 20,000 regular-sized M&M's! And it took over 40 hours to create.
Visitors to the store were amazed by the giant sweet, and many of them took pictures with it as a memorable souvenir of their trip. Unfortunately, the giant M&M was not for sale, but it was a fun and impressive display of the popularity and cultural impact of M&M's.
While the giant M&M may not be a regular feature at M&M's World stores, it goes to show the level of creativity and innovation that the brand is known for. And who knows, maybe there will be another giant M&M in the future for sweet lovers to marvel at.
9) The science behind the melting point of M&M's
Have you ever noticed that M&M's tend to melt in your mouth and not in your hand? It's not just a catchy slogan – there's actually science behind it.
First, it's important to understand the composition of M&M's. The candy shell is made of sugar and corn syrup, while the chocolate filling is a mixture of cocoa solids, milk, and sugar. The ingredients in the candy shell have a higher melting point than those in the chocolate filling, which is what allows M&M's to retain their shape when held in your hand.
But why do they melt in your mouth? The answer lies in the temperature of your mouth. Your body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), which is just below the melting point of the candy shell. When you place an M&M in your mouth, the heat from your mouth warms up the candy shell, causing it to soften and break apart. The chocolate filling then melts and mixes with the saliva in your mouth, creating a delicious chocolatey sensation.
Interestingly, the melting point of M&M's can vary depending on the environment they're in. For example, if you leave M&M's in a hot car, the candy shell may soften and become sticky, while the chocolate filling may become runny. On the other hand, if you place M&M's in the freezer, the candy shell may become brittle and break apart when bitten into.
Overall, the science behind the melting point of M&M's is a fascinating example of how temperature and composition can affect the properties of food. And, of course, it's a reminder of how satisfying it is to enjoy a handful of M&M's as they melt in your mouth.
10) M&M's global popularity
M&M's are not only loved by the UK but also by people all around the world. They are one of the most popular sweet brands worldwide. Chocolate candies can be found in almost every corner of the world, from small stores to large supermarkets.
One of the main reasons behind the global popularity of M&M's is the variety of flavours that the brand offers. While the classic milk chocolate M&M's remain the most popular, the brand has experimented with a wide range of flavours such as peanut butter, caramel, dark chocolate, almond, and mint. Each of these flavours has its own dedicated fan following.
Moreover, M&M's have made efforts to cater to local tastes and preferences in different countries. For instance, in Japan, the brand has launched flavours like Matcha, Sakura, and Wasabi, which are unique to the Japanese market. Similarly, in Australia, M&M's have experimented with flavours like lamington, fairy bread, and hot cross bun to appeal to the local taste buds.
The brand has also successfully marketed its products as a fun and colourful treat that appeals to all age groups. Their slogan "Melts in your mouth, not in your hand" has become synonymous with the brand. The playful advertising campaigns and sponsorships with popular events like the Super Bowl, Olympics, and FIFA World Cup have helped in making the brand a household name worldwide.
M&M's has also made efforts to adapt to the changing consumer preferences, by launching new products like M&M's chocolate bars, M&M's chocolate spreads, and even sugar-free M&M's for people who are watching their sugar intake. These new products have helped in keeping the brand relevant and appealing to different consumer segments.
The global popularity of M&M's can also be attributed to its distribution and availability. The brand is distributed in over 100 countries and can be found in almost every supermarket and sweet shops worldwide. Additionally, the brand has an active online presence and sells its products through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, making it easily accessible to consumers all over the world.