The Invention of M&M’s, With The Reason Why You May Not Know – Newark, NJ
The M&M’s product was invented by Forrest E. Mars Sr., who partnered with Bruce Murrie (the son of the Hershey Chocolate Company president) to ensure a steady supply of chocolate during World War II rationing for conserve resources for the US military, hence the “M&M” name for Mars & Murrie. It started production in 1941, just off of Route 1 at the factory located at 285 Badger Avenue, Newark, NJ.
Why M&M’s Were Created for the Military
M&M’s were originally designed as a military ration. The hard candy shell kept the chocolate from melting, making it ideal for soldiers stationed in hot climates. Forrest Mars Sr. drew inspiration from similar hard-coated candies eaten by British soldiers during the Spanish Civil War.
During World War II, M&M’s were produced exclusively for the U.S. military and distributed in cardboard tubes as part of ration kits.
Key points:
- Durability: The sugar shell prevented melting, solving a major storage problem in the field.
- Inspiration: Mars adapted the idea from European wartime candies.
- Military rations: Initially sold only to soldiers, M&M’s provided a compact, non-messy chocolate source.
- Wartime timing: Their creation coincided perfectly with America’s entry into World War II, ensuring widespread demand among troops.
After the war, M&M’s were released to the public and quickly became a national favorite.
The Famous M&M’s Tagline
Introduced in 1954, the M&M’s slogan “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand” emphasized the key innovation behind the candy: its protective shell. This tagline directly connects to its military history and highlights the practicality that made it successful in both the battlefield and the marketplace.
Christopher Gentile Oct 31, 2025 Newark NJ History Inventions on Rt 1
Oct 31, 2025
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