Forrest Mars invented the Mars bar in England after a falling out with his father, then created M&M’s after watching soldiers eat British-made Smarties during the Spanish Civil War. The candy was sold exclusively to the US military during WWII and later introduced the slogan “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand”. Peanut M&M’s were introduced in 1954 and the signature “M” stamp was added in 1950.
In 1932, Mars Company founder Frank Mars and his son Forrest had a falling out. Forrest packed his bags and headed to England in pursuit of fame and fortune, inventing the famous Mars bar. According to pastry legend, during the Spanish Civil War, Mars watched soldiers eat British-made Smarties, small chocolate balls covered in a shell that pastry chefs call hard panning. The coating prevented the candy from melting. Back in the United States in 1941, Mars obtained a patent for his manufacturing process and began producing the first M&M’s. At first, M&Ms were sold exclusively to the US military and quickly became a staple for soldiers fighting in WWII, especially those stationed in hot climates.
The colorful history of M&M’s:
The Ms represent the names of Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie, son of Hershey Chocolate president William Murrie. The candies were made with Hershey’s chocolate, now one of Mars’ biggest competitors.
In 1949, the brand introduced the classic slogan “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand”. But the candy didn’t get the signature “M” stamp until 1950.
Peanut M&M’s were introduced in 1954, but were only available in a tan color at the time. In 1960, a bag of M&M’s also included yellow, red, and green candies.
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