The True Story Behind the Invention of M&M’s

With the Oscars fast approaching, the clock is ticking on your chance to catch up on all the films you still need to watch before the big event. This also means plenty of popcorn— and if you're like me, a generous helping of peanut M&M’s mixed in for the perfect balance of salty and sweet. These iconic little chocolate candies are as classic as apple pie. Digging into their history reveals a more complex tale than simply selling colorful confections.

Who Was the Creator of M&M’s?

Forrest E. Mars, Sr., son of candy mogul Frank C. Mars— the mastermind behind Milky Way and 3 Musketeers bars— branched out on his own after a falling out with his father. Venturing overseas to Europe, he worked under the food giant Nestlé, gaining crucial knowledge of the candy business. It is said that while in Spain, he witnessed soldiers eating small, candy-coated chocolate pellets, which inspired him to develop his own version of the treat.

When Did M&M’s First Appear?

At the onset of World War II, sugar was scarce in the U.S. and strictly rationed. However, one company managed to bypass the shortage: Hershey. By lobbying the government, Hershey secured unlimited access to sugar for production, fearing that the rationing would cripple their business. In exchange, they provided chocolate to the troops— a treat that lifted morale on the frontlines. Mars took advantage of this and struck a deal with William Murrie, the son of a Hershey executive, offering an 80-20 partnership. Together, they created a new candy that combined both of their last names: M&M’s. And yes, M&M's are made with Hershey’s chocolate.

What Was the Purpose Behind the Creation of M&M’s?

But there’s more to the story of M&M’s than just business deals. Hershey, supplying chocolate to the military, needed a solution to keep it from melting in the tropical heat. The answer? The patented candy shell that made M&M’s a hit with soldiers, offering both convenience and portability. After the war, the candy remained popular, and Mars eventually bought out Murrie. To solidify the brand's identity, Mars began marking each piece with an 'M' to let consumers know they were getting the real deal.

It’s no accident that M&M’s are the perfect candy to mix into a hot tub of popcorn without worrying about a melty mess. They were specifically designed to keep their chocolate intact, even when the heat’s on.