Discover The History Of M&M's Colors

07 May, 2025

Whats the story behind those colorful, candy-coated chocolates weve all come to know and love? The history of M&Ms is a vibrant tapestry woven with wartime ingenuity, innovative marketing, and a surprising amount of public participation. From their battlefield origins to their status as a pop culture icon, M&Ms have continuously evolved, reflecting changing consumer preferences and even navigating public health scares.

The tale begins in 1941, amidst the turmoil of World War II. Forrest E. Mars, Sr., inspired by a method used by soldiers in the Spanish Civil War to keep chocolate from melting, developed a hard candy shell to encase his chocolate creation. This innovation allowed soldiers to enjoy a sweet treat without the mess, making M&Ms an instant hit with the troops. The early M&Ms came in a limited range of colors red, yellow, green, brown, and orange and were packaged in cardboard tubes. The now-iconic candy bags we associate with M&Ms werent introduced until 1948. Even then, the evolution of the colorful candies was far from over.

Key Dates	Event
1941	M&M's introduced
1948	Candy bags introduced
1950	"M" imprint appears on candies
1954	Peanut M&M's introduced (all brown initially)
1960	Red, green, and yellow added to Peanut M&M's
1976	Red M&M's temporarily discontinued due to Red Dye #2 scare; Orange replaces Red
1982	M&M's travel on the first space shuttle voyage
1985	Red M&M's return
1987	Red M&Ms rejoin the standard mix
1995	Blue M&M's introduced, replacing Tan, after a nationwide vote
2009	M&M's Premiums line introduced
2013	Peanut Butter M&M's size slightly reduced

Reference: M&M's Official Website

The 1970s marked a period of both expansion and controversy for M&Ms. The brand ventured into international markets, introducing their colorful candies to Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. However, the decade also saw the temporary demise of the red M&M. Public concern arose over the potential cancer-causing properties of Red Dye #2, a food coloring that, while not used in M&Ms, prompted the Mars company to pull red candies from production in 1976. Orange temporarily filled the void left by red, a curious chapter in M&M's history driven by public perception rather than scientific fact. Red M&M's would eventually make a triumphant return in 1987.

Perhaps the most significant turning point in M&Ms history came in 1995 with the legendary blue M&M debate. Mars invited the public to vote on a new color to join the lineup, choosing between blue, pink, and purple. Blue emerged victorious, replacing tan and solidifying its place as a fan favorite. The campaign not only generated immense buzz but also demonstrated the brand's willingness to embrace consumer input. The Empire State Building in New York City was even lit in blue to commemorate the occasion, highlighting the cultural impact of this colorful candy.

Innovation continued into the 21st century with the introduction of the M&Ms Premiums line in 2009, featuring gourmet flavors like raspberry almond, mint chocolate, and mocha. This demonstrated the brand's ongoing commitment to expanding its offerings and catering to evolving tastes. The narrative of M&M's doesnt just involve color changes and new flavors; it also includes quirky marketing campaigns. The introduction of anthropomorphic M&M characters in commercials, including the blue M&M voiced by Robb Pruitt, further cemented the brand's place in popular culture.

From a wartime snack to a global confectionery giant, the journey of M&Ms is a testament to the power of innovation, adaptability, and consumer engagement. The story of these little candy-coated chocolates is a sweet reminder of how a simple idea, combined with clever marketing and a dash of public participation, can create a lasting cultural legacy. With 340 million M&M's produced daily, its clear that the appeal of these colorful candies continues to resonate with generations of candy lovers worldwide, ensuring the ongoing evolution of this beloved treat.

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