What The M&M Initials Actually Stand For
July 18, 2023
source: Wikimedia
As a long-time fan of sweets, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a bowl of colorful, button-shaped chocolates known as M&M’s. They have been a popular snack for over 80 years, and little did I know that there was a fascinating story behind those iconic initials.
Like many others, I always assumed that M&M stood for “Magic and Mystery” or perhaps “Munchies and More.” But it turns out, the truth is far sweeter. M&M’s initials are derived from the surnames of the company’s founders, Forrest Edward Mars Sr. and Brucie Murrie. They joined forces back in 1941 to create this delightful chocolate brand, inspired by the British chocolate Smarties.
It’s amazing to think that the idea for M&M’s came about during the Spanish Civil War. During that time, Forrest Edward Mars Snr was assisting in the production of sweets for soldiers. It was then that he discovered Smarties and their chocolate-covered shells, which had a special purpose: withstanding high temperatures without melting. This was a breakthrough revelation, especially in a time when transporting chocolates without them turning into gooey messes was a real challenge.
Excited by this discovery, Mars collaborated with Brucie Murrie, who happened to be the son of the founder of Hershey Chocolate. Together, they set out to develop the heat-resistant and easy-to-transport M&M’s we know and love today. The candies were coated with brown, red, orange, yellow, green, or violet shells, adding a delightful visual appeal to the delicious taste.
As time went on, M&M’s gained immense popularity and success. Forrest Edward Mars Snr eventually bought out Brucie Murrie, becoming the only owner of the company. But the sweet journey of M&M’s didn’t stop there. In 1981, these delectable chocolates made history once again when they became the first sweet and chocolate ever to be launched into space on the NASA ship Columbia. Now that’s a cosmic treat!
It’s fascinating to learn about the Mars family’s chocolate legacy. Forrest Edward Mars Snr’s father, Frank Mars, was the mastermind behind the Mars bar, which remains an all-time classic. But he didn’t stop there; he also created other iconic treats like Milky Way, Snickers, and even Uncle Ben’s rice.
Discovering the story behind M&M’s has given me a newfound appreciation for these colorful candies. Not only do they delight our taste buds, but they also carry a rich history that spans generations.
As I savor my next handful of M&M’s, I’ll be reminded of the brilliant minds of Forrest Edward Mars Snr and Brucie Murrie, who brought this confectionery marvel into existence. I’ll also be grateful for the creativity and ingenuity that went into creating a chocolate that could brave the toughest of conditions.
So, the next time you reach for that irresistible bag of M&M’s, remember the sweet secret behind those initials. And if you’re like me, you might find yourself smiling as you enjoy each multicolored bite, knowing that magic and mystery may not be what M&M stands for, but “Mars” and “Murrie” are just as enchanting.