Do you love M&M's? I know I do! But what about the chocolate inside them? Is M&M candy  really chocolate? Or is it something else?

M&M Candy is one of those snacks that seems like it might not be so bad for you. After all, it's made with chocolate, right? But it turns out that a lot of candy brands use artificial flavors and colors, which can be harmful to your health.

M&M candy is made of real chocolate, but it's not the type of chocolate that is used in traditional chocolate bars. The chocolate that is used in M&M candy is a type of confectionery coating called compound chocolate. Compound chocolate is made by combining cocoa powder with fats and sugar.

M&Ms are a classic candy that almost everyone loves. But what many people don't know is that there is some debate over whether or not M&Ms are actually chocolate. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history of M&Ms, the ingredients they use, and the controversy over their chocolate status. We will also provide our verdict on whether or not M&Ms are real chocolate.

We scoured the internet for all of the information on M&Ms that we could find. We read articles, searched forums, and even talked to experts in the field so that we could provide you with an accurate and unbiased answer.

The History of M&M's

M&Ms are one of the most popular candies in the world. The little chocolate candies with a hard candy shell have been around since 1941. The M&M was invented by Forrest Mars, Sr., the son of the founder of the Mars Candy Company. He got the idea for M&Ms while he was traveling in Spain, where he saw soldiers eating little pellets of chocolate that were coated in a hard sugar shell. This prevented the chocolate from melting in their hands in the hot Spanish sun.

M&Ms originally came in four colors: red, yellow, green, and brown. The colors represented different Allied countries during World War II: the United States, Britain, Russia, and China. In 1949, Mars introduced the tagline "The milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand," which is still used today.

When he returned to the United States, Mars teamed up with Bruce Murrie, the son of William Wrigley Jr., to develop his own version of the candy. They started by coating peanuts in chocolate and then rolled them in sugar. Initially, they called these "sugar-coated chocolates." The first letter of each word was used to create the name "M&M," which stands for "Mars & Murrie." In 1954, M&Ms were introduced in their now-classic colors of red, yellow, green, brown, orange, and blue.

The first M&M's were made in a factory in Newark, New Jersey, and they were an instant hit. Today, M&Ms are produced in factories all over the world, and they come in a variety of colors, flavors, and sizes. There are even peanut-free versions for people with allergies.

The black M was not printed on the candies until 1950, offering an additional layer of branding for the candies. This change was made to make the candy more visually appealing and help it stand out on store shelves. The black M also helped to communicate the candy's flavor to potential customers. In 1954, the M was changed to white to better match the colors of the candy.

In the 1950s, Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, developed a process for producing M&Ms faster. The new method involved using conveyor belts to coat the chocolates with a hard candy shell. This innovation helped make M&Ms more widely available and helped the company become a global success.

In the 1970s, the food industry was rocked by a red food dye scandal. Studies suggested that the dye, which was commonly used in candies, could cause cancer. As a result, many manufacturers began looking for alternatives. In 1976, M&M's made the switch to orange candies, replacing the red ones in the mix. The change was controversial, and many fans of the candy were disappointed. Luckily in 1987, red M&Ms were back on store shelves, and the original color mix was restored. In recent years, new studies have suggested that the original concerns about red dye were overblown. Nonetheless, M&M's has stuck with red as one of its signature colors.

In the 1980s, M&M's were introduced to several new markets. In 1981, they were launched in the United Kingdom, followed by Hong Kong in 1982 and Australia in 1983. 1984 saw the introduction of M&M's to Japan, and they finally arrived in Canada in 1985. The rollout to these new markets was a carefully planned strategy, and it paid off handsomely. M&M's quickly became one of the most popular confectionery items in each of these countries, and they continue to be a top seller to this day.

Peanut butter M&M's were introduced in 1991 as a way to mix two popular snacks - candy and peanut butter. Originally, they were only available in tan coatings, but in 1995, brown and yellow were added to the mix. In 2002, blue and green M&Ms joined the peanut butter ranks. The candy has undergone several changes since it was first introduced, but it remains one of the most popular flavors.

In the early 2000s, M&M's underwent a major branding overhaul. The company introduced a new slogan - "Melts in your mouth, not in your hand" - and redesigned its iconic logo. They also began producing a wide range of new flavors and colors, including mint, almond, raspberry, cappuccino, and even blackberry.

In 2012, M&M's celebrated their 75th anniversary. To mark the occasion, they introduced a new flavor - birthday cake - and launched a major marketing campaign. The campaign included a series of commercials featuring the iconic M&M characters and a social media push that encouraged fans to share their memories of the candy.

In recent years, M&M's has introduced a number of new flavors and products. One of the most popular is the White Chocolate Vanilla M&M, which was introduced in 2017. The little white candies have a creamy vanilla center with a chocolate coating. They are perfect for people who love white chocolate or vanilla-flavored candy.

In 2018, M&M's launched two new flavors - Caramel and Hazelnut. The caramel M&Ms are made with real caramel filling and milk chocolate, while the hazelnut M&Ms have a hazelnut praline center covered in milk chocolate. There are also several seasonal and limited edition flavors of M&M's that are released throughout the year. These include Easter M&Ms, Christmas M&Ms, and Halloween M&Ms. The candy is also available in a number of different colors and sizes, making it perfect for any occasion.

Is M&M Candy Real Chocolate?

So what is M&M candy anyway? Are they real chocolate? The answer is a bit complicated. M&M's are made with real chocolate, but the process of making them strips away many of the key characteristics that define true chocolate.

True chocolate is made from cacao beans, which are roasted and ground into a paste. The paste is then combined with other ingredients, such as sugar, milk, and cocoa butter. This mixture is known as chocolate liquor, and it forms the basis for all true chocolate products.

Chocolate liquor is about 50% cocoa butter, which gives it its unique texture and flavor. It also contains a small amount of caffeine and other alkaloids, which contribute to its bitter taste. M&M's are made with chocolate liquor, but the cocoa butter is removed during the manufacturing process.

This leaves behind a dry, powdery substance known as cocoa solids. Cocoa solids are what give M&M's their distinctive flavor and color. They are also what make up the majority of the candy's calories.

In addition to cocoa solids, M&M's also contain sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients. These help to provide the candy with its characteristic texture and shape. However, they also add a significant amount of calories and sugar to the final product.

The chocolate used in M&M's is a type of milk chocolate that contains cocoa butter, milk powder, and sugar. The cocoa butter gives the chocolate its smooth texture, while the milk powder adds richness and creaminess. The sugar helps to balance out the flavors and give the chocolate its sweetness. While M&M's are not made with the same high-quality ingredients as some other chocolates, they are still made with real chocolate that tastes delicious.

So while M&M's may technically be made with real chocolate, they are not really chocolate candies in the traditional sense. If you're looking for a true chocolate experience, you'll need to look elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for a sweet and colorful treat, M&M's are a perfect choice.

How Are M&Ms Manufactured?

The manufacturing process for M&M's is pretty fascinating. First, the chocolate liquor is combined with milk and sugar to create a chocolate paste. This paste is then fed into a machine that removes the cocoa butter and leaves behind a dry, powdery substance known as cocoa solids.

These cocoa solids are what give M&M's their distinctive flavor and color. They are also what make up the majority of the candy's calories. In addition to cocoa solids, M&M's also contain sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients. These help to provide the candy with its characteristic texture and shape.

The manufacturing process can be divided into four stages:

Molding

The chocolate paste is fed into a mold that gives the M&M's their signature shape. Notable exceptions include Peanut Butter M&Ms, for which the peanut butter center is prepared first, and then the chocolate is poured around it. The candies are then tumbled in a rotating drum to smooth their surfaces.

Coating

The finished chocolates are then sent to the coating area, where they undergo a process called panning. This involves coating the candies in a thin layer of chocolate, sugar, and other ingredients at various intervals. The resulting mixture is known as enrobing, and it gives the M&M's their distinctive candy shell. The enrobed chocolates are then cooled and sorted according to color. The color is incorporated into a finishing syrup and then used as the final coat.

Printing

The final step in the manufacturing process is known as printing. This is where the M&M's are given their distinctive "M" logo. The chocolates are first fed into a machine that prints the logo onto the candy shell. They are then transferred to a second machine that applies the finishing touches, such as adding color or glitter. The finished chocolates are then sent to packing stations, where they are packaged for sale.

What Do M&Ms Stand For?

The name "M&M's" is a shortening of the phrase "Mars & Murrie's", which is the last names of the candy's creators: Forrest Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie. The two men developed the candy in 1941 as a way to provide soldiers with a tasty treat that would not melt in the heat. The original candies were made with chocolate sourced from Hershey's, but Mars eventually developed his own recipe for chocolate that is used in M&M's today.

Are M&Ms Healthy?

M&Ms are not particularly healthy, but they are not as unhealthy as some other candies. A single serving of M&Ms (about 42 grams) contains 210 calories, 12 grams of sugar, and 11 grams of fat. By comparison, a serving of Skittles (about 40 grams) contains 250 calories, 31 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of fat. So while M&Ms are not the healthiest candy option out there, they are certainly not the worst.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to M&Ms, there are plenty of options available. Dark chocolate is a great choice as it is lower in sugar and calories than milk chocolate. Alternatively, you could try a fruit-based candy like gummy bears or jelly beans. These are lower in calories and sugar than chocolate candies, and they also contain some vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Information For M&Ms

The nutritional information for M&Ms can be found on the back of the candy packaging. A single serving of M&Ms (about 29 grams) contains 140 calories, 19 grams of sugar, 6 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein. The full nutritional breakdown is as follows:

• Serving size: 29 grams
• Calories: 140
• Fat: 6 grams
• Sugar: 19 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Potassium : 0 milligrams
• Iron : 0.33 milligrams

Who Owns M&Ms?

M&Ms are one of the most iconic candy brands in the world. Every year, millions of people enjoy the colorful chocolate treats. But who actually owns M&Ms? The answer may surprise you. Today, M&Ms are owned by a subsidiary of Mars Incorporated, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. The company was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars. In addition to M&Ms, Mars also manufactures a variety of other popular candies, such as Snickers, Milky Way, and Twix.

Mars has expanded the M&M brand in recent years by introducing new flavors and products. In 2016, the company launched M&M's Hazelnut Spread, a chocolate-hazelnut spread that can be used in a variety of recipes. Mars has also introduced several limited-edition flavors of M&Ms, such as pumpkin spice and mint.

How To Store M&Ms To Maintain Freshness

M&Ms are a beloved treat around the world, enjoyed by both kids and adults. While they are delicious straight out of the bag, many people prefer to store their M&Ms in order to maintain freshness. The best way to store M&Ms is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the candy from drying out or becoming stale. If you are planning on storing M&Ms for an extended period of time, you may also want to consider placing them in the freezer.

The ideal storage temperature for M&Ms is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme cold will help to preserve the candy and prevent moisture from seeping in and ruining the flavor. If you live in a warm climate, it's important to keep them out of direct sunlight as this can cause the chocolate to melt. M&Ms will stay fresh for up to six months if stored properly.

Can Vegans Eat M&Ms?

Many people assume that all candy is off-limits for vegans, but that's not necessarily the case. In fact, there are a number of popular candy brands that offer vegan-friendly options. One such brand is M&M's. While most M&M's contain milk chocolate, the company also offers a dairy-free version made with dark chocolate. Additionally, the company does not use any animal-based ingredients in its manufacturing process. As a result, vegans can enjoy M&M's without having to worry about inadvertently consuming animal products. Of course, it's always important to check the label to be sure, but vegans can rest assured that they can indulge in a sweet treat every now and then without compromising their ethical principles.

Are M&Ms Gluten Free?

According to the Mars company, all flavors of M&Ms are gluten-free. This includes the classic milk chocolate flavor as well as the peanut, almond, pretzel, and mint varieties. The company states that their manufacturing facilities follow strict protocols to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. In addition, all M&Ms sold in the United States are displayed on the packaging with a "Gluten-Free" label. However, it is important to note that M&Ms are manufactured in facilities that also process wheat, so they may not be suitable for people with severe gluten allergies. If you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive to gluten, you may want to avoid M&Ms as a precaution. Otherwise, feel free to enjoy the candy without worry.

Do M&Ms Contain Nuts?

The answer to this question depends on the type of M&M's in question. The milk chocolate and peanut M&M's both contain peanuts, while the almond variety contains almonds. However, Mars also offers a variety of nut-free M&M's, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and peanut butter. These varieties do not contain any nuts or nut products whatsoever. As a result, they are safe for people with allergies or sensitivities to nuts.

Do M&Ms Contain GMOs?

The short answer to this question is no. M&Ms do not contain any genetically modified ingredients. However, it's important to note that the Mars company does use GMO-derived soy lecithin in its manufacturing process. Soy lecithin is a common food additive that is used to improve texture and prevent clumping. It's derived from soybeans, which are one of the most commonly genetically modified crops in the world. As a result, some people may want to avoid M&Ms if they have strong feelings about consuming GMOs.

M&Ms are a delicious and versatile candy that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While they do contain some controversial ingredients, they are generally considered to be safe for most people to consume. So go ahead and enjoy a few M&Ms the next time you're looking for a sweet treat. Just be sure to check the label first to make sure they meet your dietary needs.

Do M&Ms Have Any Health Benefits?

M&Ms are often thought of as nothing more than a sugary treat, but they actually do have some health benefits. For one thing, they contain cocoa flavanols, which are plant-based compounds that have been shown to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Additionally, M&Ms are a good source of fiber and protein. And while they do contain sugar, they are relatively low in calories when compared to other sweets. So if you're looking for a health-conscious snack, M&Ms may be a better choice than some of the other options out there.

Of course, it's important to remember that M&Ms are still candy, and they should be consumed in moderation. But if you're looking for a sweet treat that won't ruin your diet, M&Ms are a good option. Just be sure to check the nutrition label before you indulge.

How Many Colors of M&Ms Are There?

M&Ms are available in seventeen colors, including red, blue, green, yellow, brown, orange, and purple. However, not all of these colors are available in every country. For example, the brown M&Ms were discontinued in the United States in 1976 but are still available in other countries. Additionally, the red M&Ms were taken off the market for a period of time due to concerns about a food coloring known as FD&C Red No. 40. But don't worry – they eventually made their way back onto store shelves.

Do All M&Ms Taste the Same?

No, all M&Ms do not taste the same. The milk chocolate M&Ms have a creamy and rich flavor, while the dark chocolate M&Ms have a more intense chocolate taste. The peanut butter M&Ms are, unsurprisingly, full of peanut butter flavor, and the almond M&Ms have a nutty taste. There are also several different seasonal flavors of M&Ms that are released throughout the year. So if you're looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite candy, be sure to check out the latest seasonal flavors.

What Are M&M Characters Called?

The M&M characters are a group of anthropomorphic candy characters that appear in the brand's advertising and packaging. The original lineup consisted of red, yellow, green, and brown M&Ms, but it has since been expanded to include blue, orange, purple, and other colors. Each character has a unique personality and name, and they often interact with each other in the brand's marketing materials.

The most popular M&M character is the red one, who is known for his catchphrase "melt in your mouth, not in your hand." Other popular characters include the green M&M, who is known for her sassy attitude, and the yellow M&M, who is known for his energetic and positive personality. While the M&M characters are primarily used in advertising and packaging, they have also appeared in various merchandising products over the years, including plush toys, coffee mugs, and T-shirts.

Do Different M&M Colors Taste Differently?

No, the different colors of M&Ms do not taste differently. However, some people believe that they can taste slight differences in the flavor of the different colors. This is most likely due to the fact that our brains associate certain colors with certain flavors. For example, many people believe that red M&Ms taste slightly sweeter than other colors because red is often associated with sweetness. Similarly, green M&Ms are often thought to have a minty flavor because green is often associated with mint flavored candy. Ultimately, though, all M&Ms contain the same flavorings, so there is no difference in taste between the different colors.