M&M's

Candy-coated bits of chocolate, M&M's are one of Mars, Incorporated's bestselling candies. They were first sold in 1941 to the US Army for soldiers, as the product held up well in hot climates. Soon after, M&M's were sold commercially and became a hit across the United States.

Aside from the original M&M's, Peanut M&M's are the best recognized variety. These were introduced in 1954, the same year the "melt in your mouth" tagline was first used.

Several other varieties are still marketed today, including Almond M&M's and Peanut Butter M&M's, released in 1988 and 1990 respectively. Crispy M&M's were available in the late 1990s but were soon discontinued as the rice center was not as popular among children.

New colors have thrice been added to the M&M's repertoire, the latest based on consumer voting. Orange was first introduced in 1976. Blue was the new color in 1995, with purple introduced in 2002.

Five main candy characters advertise M&M's in print and television advertisements. Red is the leader of the group and Yellow is a larger Peanut M&M, and thus slightly dim and oafish. Green is the only female character. She wears white gloves and boots and says "I melt for no one." Orange and Blue are the newest introductions. Orange is a paranoid type, always afraid of being eaten. Blue is hip and cool, often donning black sunglasses.